On May 21, Norco College's Prison Education Program director was surprised by a gift from a student at the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC).
She was going through the mail pickup when she saw, as she described it, “a tall, cylindrical oatmeal container with 'Dr. Cobb' written on top and bubble wrap lining throughout. The contents were a letter and trophy—constructed with soap, paint, and Q-tips . . . ."
The letter, by student John Hayden and addressed to Norco College Staff begins by saying, “We sit in prison day after day waiting for tomorrow." It explains, “Then COVID-19 hits. As everyone pulls away, Norco College mobilizes. . . . You risked the virus and told us that we are important—we matter still. Thank you, Dr. Cobb and everyone at Norco. Thank you for the extra effort and extra work. You did it for us—and we truly appreciate it. You understand this is not just paperwork—it is our freedom and our future."
The letter identifies words on the trophy: “At Norco (College) we take our corona with a slice of lime disease." The writer closes, “It is a statement of your toughness in a time of crisis. Norco rocks!"