Photos: 11 inmates receive their diplomas at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility

Jason Cervantes-Ponce hugs his older sister Isela Ponce after graduating and receiving his GED during an inmate graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024. A total of 11 inmates graduated, two of those received their associate degrees.

Joshua Salazar, who has been in prison for seven months on a trafficking charge, said he wants to one day go to culinary school, and "hopefully work for Gordon Ramsay."

A total of 11 inmates received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Jason Cervantes-Ponce hugs his sister Claudia Galindo with his other two siblings, Isela Ponce and Nathan Ponce, after graduating and receiving his GED during an inmate graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Inmates watch a graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas in this March file photo. New Mexico posted a recidivism rate of nearly 40% during the 2024 budget year.

Graduates hold their diplomas during an inmate graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Marsha Cline, with the CNMCF education department, puts gowns on hangers after 11 inmates graduate during a graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Angel Garcia, City of Albuquerque social services manager for community safety and violence intervention prevention, is the key note speaker during an inmate graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Garcia

A total of 11 inmates graduate during a graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Warden Jessica Vigil-Richards presents graduates with their diplomas during a graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Joshua Salazar prepares to receive his diploma during an inmate graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

A total of 11 inmates received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Angel Garcia chats with inmates before a graduation ceremony and celebration at Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, N.M., on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

Chancey Bush

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Published March 7, 2024 - 3:30 p.m. Modified March 7, 2024 - 4:50 p.m.

'You have a choice': 11 Central New Mexico Correctional inmates receive diplomas

As featured on - 'You have a choice': 11 Central New Mexico Correctional inmates receive diplomas

LOS LUNAS — Inside the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility gym Thursday morning, inmate…

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