WARSAW, IN - Warsaw Adult Education (WAE) celebrated a major milestone on Friday, June 20, as 85 adult learners from Kosciusko and Fulton counties received their high school equivalency diplomas during a heartfelt graduation ceremony held at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center (PAC).
Reflecting on the program’s success, Director Leo Patiño shared, “There is no secret sauce—our teachers are the rockstars who helped us hit these amazing numbers this year. They connect with students in a way that supports their individual learning styles.”
The evening also recognized students from the English Language Learning (ELL) program, with representation from all six levels of language proficiency. Following recent instructional changes and the addition of teaching staff, the program nearly tripled its success rate. “These folks are hungry for knowledge and opportunity,” said Patiño. “Eighty percent of our students showed growth in proficiency—putting us among the top programs in the state!”
Distinguished guests in attendance included Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert; 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. Community leaders also joined in the celebration, including Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith, Ivy Tech Vice Chancellor Dr. JoAnne Alvarez, and keynote speaker Dr. Jerry Haffner, former District Director of Adult Education for the State of Indiana.
In his keynote address, Dr. Haffner praised Indiana as a national leader in adult education services and encouraged graduates to “never give up and keep on learning.” He also highlighted student voices by sharing responses to the question, “What has being a part of Warsaw Adult Education meant to me and my family?” The heartfelt replies expressed pride, gratitude, and hope for the future.
Warsaw Adult Education extends sincere thanks to its many partners—including Warsaw and Rochester schools, local nonprofits, and community organizations—whose support makes this work possible. During the ceremony, the program also revealed a new logo as part of its rebranding for the upcoming program year.
For more information or to enroll in a high school equivalency or ELL class, visit warsawschools.org/o/wae or text 574-216-3636.
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Photo Provided: Adult Education Graduating Class of 2025