Students get life lesson from inmates

MOBILE, Ala. - A district attorney in Alabama hopes inmates convicted of murder can help talk sense into some wayward students. He says he hopes after seeing the inmate's stories, the student won't waste another minute of their lives.

The DA shared a video with students who have checkered attendance records. The video is called, "Make the Right Choice... Don't Waste Your Life."

A group of Mobile County Public School students all have one thing in common. They are sitting in the city council chambers because they've either been late to school, have too many unexcused absences, or they've been suspended.

"A little thing like behaving in class. If you don't respect yourself, how about respecting others that are there to get an education," said District Attorney John Tyson, Jr.

The District Attorney's Office is trying to teach these students a valuable life lesson. The teachers are convicts who will never leave prison alive.

"I was 16 when I got here, what if I live another 70 years?" said Louis Manglone, who is serving a life sentence for murder.

"You've got one life to live, and then you die. You are young, you have time. Don't make the same mistake I did," said Kenyatta Clay, who is also serving a life sentence for murder.

These inmates are all featured on a video called "Make the Right Choice... Don't Waste Your Life." The video is produced by the Mobile County District Attorney's Office.

It's required viewing for students struggling with school attendance.

The District Attorney hopes the kids learn from the prison diary. Tyson said the program does work.

"We have documents that say 65 percent of people will improve regular attendance and absent attendance," said Tyson.

It's good news that something as simple as a video can help, when the department is under-funded.

Sixteen-year-old James Bradley and his mother were among the hundred or so sitting in the audience. The clip Bradley said stuck out the most showed an inmate telling students to weigh the consequences of their actions.

"You've got family in one hand, prison in the other. You've got freedom in one hand, prison in the other. You got a job and education in one hand, prison in the other," said Mitch Rutledge, who's death sentence for murder was commuted to life.

Bradley's mother hopes her son gets the message loud and clear.

"I hope it encourages him to be on time, not to be absent, and value jobs and everything," said Tricia Bradley.

The District Attorney's Office hopes watching the video will help these kids make better choices. Choices that won't lead them down the same path of Friday's teachers.

"You've got all the ingredients, now let's go see if we can make it happen," said Tyson.

One of the inmates featured on the video motivated a local man to help underprivileged kids. It's part of our special report coming up on Tuesday, called "Light of the Village."