I shot this assignment Thursday morning at the Zeb Pike Youth Services Center. Eighteen of their detainees got high school diplomas or their GED’s (two have been released). I admit that I cried too when they all handed out roses to the person who has helped them the most. They were so grateful. I hope they all make it out of the system. If they do, maybe they will in part, thank this guy. He’s a powerful motivational speaker…..

His name is Weldon Long and you can check out his story by clicking on his name. I thought I made some bad decisions, but nothing like this guy. Three stints in prison. He is now successful with his life story in print and running a heating/air conditioning business in Colorado Springs. He also does motivational speaking, talking about how his recklessness resulted in so much pain, and how he overcame his addictions. I was impressed.

One catch, no faces of the detainees could be shown. Too bad too, they were all so proud.