Secretary of Correction Alvin Keller (center of photo) and Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety Reuben Young addressed honors students today at Richmond County High School in Rockingham.
The address to the 12th grade U.S. government class was part of Governor Perdue’s Education Works program in which she and members of her cabinet are visiting classrooms in public schools and community colleges around the state and talk to teachers, students and local leaders about the importance of education in our economic recovery.
Secretary Keller said education plays a significant role in North Carolina’s correctional system and that “we can plainly see the impact of education – or the lack of it – in the people entering our prison and probation systems.”
He told the students that lack of education is a factor that can contribute to criminal behavior. People with jobs are less likely to become involved in crime – and those without a decent education are more likely to be without a job.
He said a strong education system translates into successful students, fewer offenders coming to prison and probation, and fewer dollars that need to be spent on corrections.
He urged the students to continue their education and to develop skills they will need for good paying careers.
The Secretary didn’t miss an opportunity to do some recruiting. He encouraged students to consider jobs in law enforcement or corrections.
