HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jermaine Wilson was on drugs by age 11. He spent four years on juvenile detention and another three years in prison.

Today he is the mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas.

On Thursday, Wilson shared his success story with 75 inmates at Hutchinson Correctional Facility who graduated from various programs.

“The overall purpose for today was for me to encourage, empower and equip these individuals with the tools they need to become successful,” Wilson said. “I hope my story will give the hope they need to be successful and see that, with God, all things are possible.”

Wilson spoke at the East Unit and Central Unit graduation ceremonies. Graduates were recognized for completing various programs, including GED, Kansas Work Ready, NCCER Core Curriculum (construction basics), plumbing and carpentry.

“Mr. Wilson is an individual with a criminal background who has made a conscious decision that an individual’s past mistakes do not have to define their future success,” Jay Hertel, director of correctional education for Greenbush, said. “Our hope is that these men will be inspired by his words, his experiences and his post-release success.”

Graduates will also be recognized for completing KDOC re-entry programs meant to foster post-release success.