Jail tour an eye opener for students

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Some local middle school students recently got a day off from regular classes, but it was no holiday. The group toured the Virginia Beach City Jail to see what it could be like if they don't stay on the straight and narrow.

The field trip was for members of Kempsville Middle School's Gentlemen's Club.

"This is our first field trip of the school year," Bobby Huntley, the group's director, said.

And this is one field trip that won't soon be forgotten.

"Some of the students here are honor roll students and they're doing great in school," Huntley said. "So, I want to show these young men that if you're on the other side of the law, and that is the bad side, then this is what you're up against."

Students heard from a judge, correctional officers and inmates.

"My name is Evans, Kelli. Inmate number 1100351," the 34-year-old inmate said. Evans is serving 16 months in jail for her fourth drunk driving conviction.

"I have spent every holiday in here; Thanksgiving, Christmas, my family's birthday and my birthday. Two people I grew up with when I was younger have died," Evans told the group.

The Docent Program, featuring the tour of the Virginia Beach jail, is usually reserved for high school students, but they made special arrangements for the Gentlemen's Club.

If you're interested in scheduling a tour for your group, call the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office at 757-385-4073.