By Jakiya Dudley, Media Specialist
Opelika, Ala. – On Thursday, August 7, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles proudly celebrated the achievements of seven graduates during a commencement ceremony at the Opelika Day Reporting Center Lite. The event marked an important milestone in the graduates’ journeys of resilience, growth, and commitment to change.
Keynote Speaker Anton Yancy, A-RESET case manager for Lee County DHR, commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance. Drawing on his decades of service in corrections, mental health, and community support, Yancy reminded them, “Life doesn’t get easier; we just get stronger and wiser. Don’t give up, life after this process won’t be perfect, but you have the strength to keep moving forward.”
The ceremony also honored the community partners and advocates whose support has been instrumental in helping participants reach their goals. One of the partners in attendance was Major Cary Torbert. Major Torbert is renowned in law enforcement circles thanks to his more than 50 years of law enforcement service with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. He was the first African American hired as a Lee County Deputy Sheriff on October 1st, 1971.
Day Reporting Centers provide counseling, educational training, and supervision for probationers and parolees, focusing on employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, mental health, and cognitive restructuring. The Opelika DRC Lite is one of several locations statewide working to reduce recidivism and improve public safety through positive behavior change.