Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Adult Education (WAE) celebrated the achievements of 59 graduates during its annual graduation ceremony June 14 at the Warsaw Community High School Performing Arts Center (PAC).
The ceremony recognized adult learners throughout Kosciusko and Fulton counties who successfully completed programs in High School Equivalency (HSE), English Language Learning (ELL) and Integrated Education and Training (IET), according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
The event featured remarks from Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, and Lara Pastore, state director of Adult Education with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The ceremony was also attended by Warsaw Community Schools Board of Trustees members Randy Polston, Matt Deuel and Tom Westerhof, along with Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith.
The ceremony also featured remarks from six graduates who reflected on their educational journeys and the support they received through Warsaw Adult Education. Student speakers included Marcos Antonio Wheeler, Whitley County; Susana Vega, Warsaw; Guinevere Voorhees, Rochester; Michael Jordan, Kosciusko County; Brooklyn White, Rochester; and Heather Sandlin, Warsaw. Their stories reflected the resilience, courage and determination that define adult learners and demonstrated how education can transform lives, according to the news release.
During the 2025-26 year, the WAE program served nearly 200 students and accumulated nearly 8,000 attendance hours. The program achieved an 83.73% Measurable Skill Gains (MSG) rate, exceeding state performance expectations.
Pastore said, “Warsaw Adult Education ensures students have the opportunity to succeed by providing exceptional instruction and student support. Sunday’s ceremony celebrated the hard work and determination of both the adult graduates and the program and demonstrated the life-changing work of Indiana Adult Education.”
In addition to recognizing graduates, WAE highlighted its anticipated recognition as a Program of Excellence, an honor awarded to top-performing adult education programs across the state of Indiana. The recognition reflects the dedication of students, instructors, staff, community partners and supporters who work together to create pathways for educational attainment, workforce advancement and lifelong learning, the release states.
WAE, operated through WCS, provides adult learners with opportunities to earn their HSE diploma, improve English language skills, gain workforce training and advance their educational and career goals. The program operates at The Learning Center in Rochester and Ivy Tech Kosciusko in Warsaw. WAE also partners with WCS to provide English language classes and works with the Kosciusko, Fulton and Whitley county jails to offer certifications in logistics and supply chain management.
