From Prison to Graduation - 20 Years Later, He’s Just Getting Started

Rodney Lacanienta will be the first to tell you that growing up, he made some bad choices. After years of bouncing in and out of prison and struggling with addiction, Rodney finally found his way with the help of his family and the committed educators at Poway Adult School in the Poway Unified School District in San Diego. He faced his fears and never missed a day of school, becoming more active in his church and acting as a role model to fellow students. Rodney graduated high school this month and is moving on to his next effort, earning an advanced degree in theology at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murietta, CA. Longtime ACSA members Kathleen Porter, Teresa Palzkill, and Adult Education Committee member Pam Garramone all worked together as a team to provide support to the Poway Adult School, Rodney’s gateway to a fresh start and a new life. “It doesn’t matter how far gone you are,” Rodney said. “You can always pick up the pieces and succeed if you want to. It’s not going to be easy. I can tell you that. But if you want it, you can have it.”