Judges Offer Congratulations and Encouragement at Recognition Celebration for Inmates

Page updated on September 26, 2025 at 3:12 PM
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Several inmates in green jumpsuits seated in a gymnasium visible from behind with two guest speakers at a podium in the background

More than 40 inmates were recognized for their achievements during a special event at the Adult Detention Center on September 25. Two judges served as the guest speakers and joined Sheriff Sean Casey and others in congratulating the honorees who completed one or more programs focusing educational, professional or personal development.

The Honorable Sonya Sacks, Alexandria General District Court Judge, and the Honorable Jane Reynolds, 15th Judicial District Judge who grew up in Alexandria, offered their praise but also their reassurance that such programs and classes are beneficial as they help participants now and when they transition back the community. Judge Sacks told them that she was impressed to know that they have been taking classes and encouraged them to continue and Judge Reynolds stated that she likes to hear defendants in court share what they have been working on. They also took questions from the audience and shared that while they are both now judges, each took a different path and pace in pursuing their educational goals and professional opportunities, letting their audience know that there is no set way to do things.

Instructors for several of the programs and classes were also present and offered their congratulations as members of their classes stood and received applause from other attendees, guests and jail staff. Inmates were recognized for educational programs that included GED and ESL, and personal development classes in emotional wellness, anger management, re-entry preparation, etiquette and life learning programs. For professional development, inmates learned skills and earned certifications in traffic flagging, OSHA 10 worksite safety, and ServSafe® food safety and service through In2Work, which will make them more competitive candidates for employment when they return to the community.

Sheriff Casey closed the program by thanking Judge Sacks, Judge Reynolds, all the instructors, Inmate Programs and Detention Center staff, and the honorees for investing their time in their own growth and development. Sheriff Casey also expressed his belief that such programs are vital to promoting safety, both for people in the jail and for the community they will return to.

After the program, attendees enjoyed subs, snacks and soft drinks. 

Event Highlights

Two judges in business attire standing at podium a the sheriff's office. One is speaking and the other is at her side.
Several inmates in green jumpsuits, some standing and seated, in a gymnasium visible from behind
Sheriff in dark blue uniform standing at podium when the Sheriff's Office star on it and speaking into a microphone
Deputy in a blue uniform standing next to a civilan employee who is speaking at a podium
Two inmates smiling at a recognition program
Seen from behind, an inmate seated and wearing green jumpsuit that says Alexandria Inmate is holding a microphone in front of his unseen face
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Two judges in business attire standing at podium a the sheriff's office. One is speaking and the other is at her side.
The Honorable Sonya Sacks, left, and the Honorable Jane Reynolds, right, spoke at a recognition ceremony.
Several inmates in green jumpsuits, some standing and seated, in a gymnasium visible from behind
Attendees, guests and staff applauded the achievements of inmates who completed educations, personal and professional development programs.
Sheriff in dark blue uniform standing at podium when the Sheriff's Office star on it and speaking into a microphone
Sheriff Sean Casey congratulated the honorees and thanked the staff and instructors who make programming possible.
Deputy in a blue uniform standing next to a civilan employee who is speaking at a podium
Master Deputy Stubblefield, left, looked on as Reentry Counselor Saboor, right, told the honorees that this was not just the opportunity to "celebrate achievement but to recognize strength, resilience and transformation."
Two inmates smiling at a recognition program
Ms. Goyette, left, and Ms. Spies, right, were two of 43 inmates who were recognized at the program.
Seen from behind, an inmate seated and wearing green jumpsuit that says Alexandria Inmate is holding a microphone in front of his unseen face
Judge Sacks and Judge Reynolds welcomed questions from the audience.