MADRAS, OR -- An inmate at the Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI), in Jefferson County, has received a prestigious award from Central Oregon Community College.

The Walter G. Coombs Distinguished Achievement Award honors the COCC student with the highest scholastic average and the most credits, among students receiving a one-year certificate. This year, that award went to welding graduate Bruce Stewart, at the prison’s graduation ceremony.

Seven other inmates also received welding certificates and 97 others received their GED from COCC, in May.

Photo (courtesy COCC) Left to Right: Deer Ridge Welding Director Tucker Bauman, Bruce Stewart, and COCC Dean of Extended Learning Jerry Schulz.