Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Adult Education celebrated a major milestone on June 20 as 85 adult learners from Kosciusko and Fulton counties received their high school equivalency diplomas in a graduation ceremony held at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center.
When asked about the success, Director of WAE Leo Patiño stated, “There is no secret sauce; our teachers are the rockstars that helped us hit our amazing numbers this year. They are able to connect with students in a way that is conducive to their learning style.”
The ceremony also honored students from the English Language Learning (ELL) program, with representation from all six levels of language proficiency, according to a provided news release. Their recognition highlighted the diverse paths of learning that adult education supports across the region. The ELL program had seen lower success in previous years, but, after implementing changes and adding a couple teachers they saw their success almost triple.
Patiño stated, “These students are hungry for knowledge and opportunities. Our teachers were able to get 80% of our students to grow in proficiency, which puts us as one of the top programs in the state!”
Distinguished guests in attendance included Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools; School Board President Heather Reichenbach; Board members Denny Duncan, Matt Deuel and Tom Westerhof; Assistant Superintendent Tracy Horrell; and Director of Human Resources Steven Boyer. Also joining the celebration were Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith; Dr. JoAnne Alvarez, vice chancellor of Ivy Tech Kosciusko County; and keynote speaker Dr. Jerry Haffner, former district director of adult education for the state of Indiana.
In his keynote address, Haffner praised Indiana as a national leader in adult education services and encouraged graduates to “never give up and keep on learning.” Haffner also highlighted a few of the graduates in attendance. A question was sent to graduates prior to the ceremony. The question was, "What has being a part of Warsaw Adult Education meant to me and my family?" The answers were heartfelt and appreciative, but most of all, the responses had a sense of pride and optimism for future opportunities, the release states.
Warsaw Adult Education extends deep gratitude to its many partners including Warsaw and Rochester schools, local nonprofits, and community organizations whose support makes adult education possible. Look for their new logo as they unveiled a rebranding initiative for the next program year.
For those interested in enrolling in a high school equivalency or ELL class, visit the Warsaw Adult Education page at warsawschools.org/o/wae or text 574-216-3636 to learn more.
