News release

Scholarship Recipients Tour Correctional Facility, Begin Studies

Justice

JUSTICE--Scholarship Recipients Tour Correctional Facility, Begin Studies


Two African-Nova Scotian students toured the correctional facility they hope to work in someday, as they begin college studies as the first recipients of the Morton Simmonds scholarship.

Algeron Smith, 22, of North Preston, and Larissa Downey, 19, of Cherry Brook/Lake Loon, are first-year students in the Human Services (Correctional Services) diploma program at the Truro campus of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). Following graduation, both are guaranteed employment contracts with correctional services in the Nova Scotia Department of Justice.

"I want to be a role model," said Mr. Smith. "I thrive on helping people, and that's how I know a career in correctional services is for me."

Ms. Downey added: "I feel this is a great opportunity for our communities. I would like to give back some of what my community has given to me."

Justice Minister Michael Baker joined the students for lunch and tour of the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Burnside today, Sept. 8.

"I'd like to congratulate Algeron and Larissa and wish them all the best during their college studies," he said. "Correctional Services is a rewarding, challenging career and we look forward to their positive contributions."

The scholarship was announced in October 2003 in honour of Morton Simmonds, a former correctional worker and community leader from North Preston. Partners include the North Preston Gospel Technology Association, the Nova Scotia Community College and the correctional services division in the Department of Justice.

"This scholarship showcases the calibre of future correctional services' professionals in Nova Scotia," said Peggy Joiner, a faculty member for NSCC's correctional services program, Truro Campus. "At NSCC, we have the opportunity to know great students like Algeron and Larissa during a key part of their education, and we're pleased to welcome them to be a part of an enthusiastic and comprehensive learning community."

Larrie Wright, a captain and equity manager at the correctional facility, said he is pleased at today's milestone. "This is great. It brings together the community of North Preston, our college system and a government department, to help develop careers for two African Nova Scotians."

Each scholarship is valued at about $6,000 for the two years of study. The scholarship will be offered again this year.

The NSCC program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in adult and youth corrections, in both institutional and community settings. Correctional workers perform a variety of activities intended to ensure the security and safety of staff and inmates. Increasingly, they are involved in assessment, case planning and counselling of those in their care. The NSCC program is a cornerstone in justice-related training in the province and is committed to the professional development of its students.