85 adult learners receive high school equivalency diplomas

This post was provided by News Now Warsaw

News Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Adult Education celebrated a major milestone on Friday, June 20, as 85 adult learners from Kosciusko and Fulton counties received their high school equivalency diplomas in a moving graduation ceremony held at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center.

When asked about the success, Director of the program Leo Patiño said, “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. 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. Leo 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, Dr. Haffner praised Indiana as a national leader in adult education services and encouraged graduates to “never give up and keep on learning.” Dr 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.

Warsaw Adult Education extends deep gratitude to its many partners, including Warsaw and Rochester schools, local nonprofits, and community organizations,s 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, please visit our Warsaw Adult Ed page, warsawschools.org/o/wae or text 574-216-3636 to learn more.

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