Ossining, Peekskill Students Explore Justice Reform Through Film

More than 300 students from Ossining and Peekskill High Schools gathered in the Ossining High School (OHS) auditorium on November 6 for a screening of Sing Sing, a powerful documentary film that sheds light on the impact of arts-based rehabilitation within the justice system. Clarence Maclin, the co-star of the film who graduated from the Rehabilitation Through the Arts Program while incarcerated at Sing Sing Prison, attended the event and spoke directly with students about his experiences and the transformative power of the arts in prison.

Sing Sing shares the true story of the RTA program, which has been instrumental in helping incarcerated individuals at Sing Sing Prison develop essential life skills through creativity and connection. By providing arts programming, RTA promotes rehabilitation through a model centered on human dignity rather than punishment. According to RTA, fewer than 3% of participants return to prison after release, underscoring the program’s lasting impact.

Located in Ossining, New York, Sing Sing Prison is one of the oldest and most well-known correctional facilities in the United States, with a history spanning nearly 200 years. The prison has housed countless individuals, yet through initiatives like RTA, it has become a center for pioneering approaches to rehabilitation. The Sing Sing film illustrates how the RTA program transforms lives by fostering creativity and promoting self-growth among incarcerated individuals.

Social Studies teacher Sam North, who teaches a criminal justice and incarceration course at OHS, partnered with RTA to facilitate the event. North sees the screening and Maclin's visit as an invaluable learning opportunity for students.

“Our students gained first-hand insight into the power of rehabilitation and transformation through the arts,” said Mr. North. “By hearing directly from Mr. Maclin, they were able to see how programs like RTA not only help individuals but also reshape communities and offer a more hopeful vision of the justice system.”

Maclin, who was formerly incarcerated, shared his personal journey and the life-changing effects of participating in RTA. His message resonated deeply with the students, emphasizing the importance of creativity, self-expression, and second chances.

The event was a unique opportunity for students to engage with issues of criminal justice and consider how programs like RTA can foster positive change within the prison system. Through initiatives like this, Ossining and Peekskill High Schools aim to broaden students' perspectives on justice, empathy, and the potential for transformation.