Green Hill School residents celebrate college graduation

Five Green Hill School residents graduated from Centralia College Wednesday, joining the dozens who have earned college degrees while incarcerated at the juvenile rehabilitation facility.

The partnership between the Washington state Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) - the agency that manages Green Hill - and Centralia College began in 2020.

Since then, 39 residents have earned associate degrees. Ten have earned bachelor's degrees.

Benito Marquez and Kahlev Elkhanan both received their diplomas Wednesday after earning bachelor's of science in management degrees.

Vashaughn Eirls, Diante Pellum and Justin Yoon earned their associate in arts degrees.

A sixth graduate, Cayden Redman, was also honored for earning his management degree. Redman was recently transferred to another facility, according to DCYF.

His cap and gown were draped over a chair next to the other graduates.

During the ceremony, Pellum, Yoon, Marquez and Elkhanan stood at the podium to give thanks and speak about their academic achievements.

Marquez read the poem "Caged Bird," by Maya Angelou. He then addressed his fellow graduates and spoke about the freeing power of education.

"I feel inspired to do bigger and better things moving forward," Marquez told The Chronicle after the ceremony.

Green Hill School Superintendent Harold Wright Jr. said the graduation ceremony provides an opportunity for young incarcerated men to experience "real life."

"We want to have positive outcomes," Wright said. With that comes positive experiences.

The superintendent credited the Green Hill staff - along with its educators - for positively impacting the students' rehabilitation.

"Everybody's committed to it," Wright said.

The bachelor's cohort may be the last at Green Hill for the foreseeable future.

According to DCYF, Centralia College and Green Hill are suspending the program, citing a lack of enrollment due, in part, to increased interest in the facility's vocational programs.

Green Hill School offers a number of such programs, including Culture Barber Academy, welding, and Trades Exploration Pre-Apprenticeship, where students can earn certifications in forklift operation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Earlier in June, Culture Barber Academy celebrated its first round of licensed barbers.

The juvenile facility also houses an auto shop, providing access to a range of skills, from repair and sandblasting to powder coating and sign making.

According to DCYF, 55 residents have obtained various certifications through these programs.

The state agency in a Thursday news release said it will continue to "monitor interest" in the bachelor's program at Green Hill, while exploring other options "at a smaller scale."

The associate program will remain.

All six graduates honored Wednesday earned membership into the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society.

Pellum, Yoon and Marquez graduated with honors. Redman earned high honors. Elkhanan earned highest honors.

"This is the power of rehabilitation," DCYF Secretary Tana Senn said after the ceremony, as the graduates met with family, friends, staff, college faculty and a small group of fellow residents.

"They get to be role models," Senn said.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.