Frederick Douglass once said, “Man’s greatness consists in his ability to do, and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done.”
For 21-year-old Ne’Shawn Brown, he saw a need to finish a chapter in his life by graduating high school in order to find success for the future.
In 2020, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office began collaborating with the Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation’s Tiers Free Academy to provide virtual education to inmates who had not completed their high school education.
According to Dr. Annise Mabry, Tiers Free Academy is an alternative diploma program in Georgia that uses homeschool laws to empower law enforcement agencies, as well as parents and guardians, to issue homeschool high school diplomas.
Dr. Mabry explained that there is a link between areas that have a large number of adults without a high school diploma and the crime rate.
“When Sheriff Cochran said, ‘This County needs you. You have to come now,’ I never once questioned why or how – I just showed up,” said Dr. Mabry.
During the commencement ceremony, Dr. Mabry thanked Major Corey King and Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran for taking the initiative to turn a barricade into a bridge.
Ne’Shawn Brown, who is housed at the Washington County Jail, completed 10 classes in four months to earn his high school diploma through the Washington County Sheriff’s Diploma Program. A commencement ceremony took place on Friday, January 15.
“Graduating from Tiers Free Academy isn’t just about obtaining a high school diploma,” said Dr. Mabry. “It’s about taking that next step.
Ne’Shawn Brown explained during the commencement ceremony that he hopes to one day own and operate a Diesel Mechanic company, and to have his own clothing line.
“Ne’Shawn Brown wanted to make a positive change, and it all starts right here,” said Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran.
