HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former inmate and current mayor of Leavenworth, Jermaine Wilson, will be speaking at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility graduation next week.

Wilson overcame crime, addiction and maximum-security incarceration at the Lansing Correctional Facility to become mayor of Leavenworth, his hometown.

“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 – The Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, said. “Our hope is that these men will be inspired by his words, his experiences, and his post-release success.”

Wilson’s appearance was arranged by Michelle Murray, a GED instructor for Greenbush.

“I had an afternoon student who said, ‘Mrs. Murray, do you think I could ever be mayor of Wichita?’” Murray said. “Later that week I saw national news about this former inmate becoming mayor of Leavenworth. I found an article and printed it off for him and said, ‘See? It is doable.’”

On Thursday, April 18, Wilson will speak to 75 inmates graduating from educational programs at Hutchinson Correctional Facility with a message of hope and encouragement.

Wilson will speak at the East Unit and Central Unit graduation ceremonies scheduled for April 18. Graduates will be recognized for completing various programs, including GED, Kansas Work Ready, NCCER Core Curriculum (construction basics), plumbing and carpentry.

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