Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Adult Education (WAE) has earned its first Program of Excellence designation from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, recognizing WAE’s achievements during the 2025–26 program year.
Warsaw Adult Education is one of 39 adult education programs statewide to receive the designation. Established in 2022-23, the recognition honors programs that meet multiple state and federal measures, including student academic achievement, enrollment, employer partnerships, high-demand career training and high school equivalency attainment, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
Serving Kosciusko and Fulton counties, WAE helps adults build foundational skills, earn credentials and prepare for new career opportunities. These services also strengthen the local workforce by connecting education and training to community needs.
“This recognition reflects the WAE’s dedication to helping adults earn credentials, develop skills, and access new career opportunities while strengthening our local workforce and community,” said Tracy Horrell, assistant superintendent of Warsaw secondary schools.
Leo Patiño, director of WAE, credited the program’s teachers and staff for their commitment to students.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition, and I truly believe it is the first of many for Warsaw Adult Education,” he said. “Our teachers and staff have a genuine passion for the work they do and for the students we serve.”
The 2025-26 team included Leo Patiño; high school equivalency (HSE) teachers Grant Hendrickse, Amanda Taylor, Tanya Kempton, Cindy Thomas and Tammy Wilson; HSE teacher and program coordinator Diana Clark; English language learning (ELL) teachers Brenda Sanchez, Yenny Soriano, Danielle Whitlock and Clara Borda; support specialists Amy Nette and Irene Garcia; project specialist intern Ellie Hepler, who has since graduated; and Jaimie Kirkwood, who served as an HSE teacher in Rochester.
Patiño emphasized the recognition reflects both the team’s dedication and the accomplishments of adult learners.
“This recognition belongs to them, because their impact is directly reflected in the success of our students,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder of our team and what we continue to accomplish together.”
WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert said, “We are grateful for the life changing work that happens in our adult education programming. Our dedicated teachers and staff work to ensure our adult education students have opportunities for career and skill advancements. This program positively impacts our local industry alongside the significant student successes.”
Staff members Joey Narramore, Jenny Snider and Dina Coverstone joined the team this year to support adult learners and expand opportunities.
