Warsaw Community Schools

Tiger Ambassador Graduation

The meeting opened with the graduation of the 2025–26 Tiger Ambassadors. Dr. Hoffert opened the graduation by introducing the the fourth cohort of community members who completed a year-long ambassador program to learn more about the ins and outs of Warsaw Schools. Throughout the year, the 18 participants engaged in interactive sessions covering school finance, facility planning, board service, curriculum and school safety, along with additional enrichment opportunities. These lunch ‘n learns provided a behind-the-scenes look at district operations and prepare ambassadors to serve as informed advocates for WCS.

Graduates of the 2025–26 Tiger Ambassador program include:
Ashlee England, Megan Yeager, Trace Hansen, Liebenette Grimm, Brandi Fulton, Jake Noftz, Aaron Hoak, Jeff Price, Chad Towner, Ryan Langeland, Berto Nunez, Matt Boren, Ras Viswanadha, Cassandra Roberts, Ryan Christner, JoAnn Alverez, Stacy Burk, and Eric Lane.

Leesburg Drama Club Performance

The board then enjoyed a special performance from the Leesburg Elementary Drama Club. First grade teacher Treleen Cox shared that students dedicated 10 weeks to after-school rehearsals, along with a Saturday practice, to prepare for their performances. Students performed a series of short skits titled “Storyville,” which got lots of laughs from the board and crowd. 

2026 Board Scholarship Recipients Recognized

Steven Boyer introduced the 2026 Warsaw Schools Board Scholarship recipients, honoring five staff members pursuing advanced degrees and certifications in high-need areas.

This year’s recipients include:

• Amy House, special education teacher at Warsaw Community High School, pursuing certification in Special Education
• Lauren Sponseller, educational diagnostician, working toward becoming a school psychologist
• Emily Gough, WCHS science teacher, beginning a Master’s in Biological Sciences to expand dual credit opportunities
• Autumn Korotney, second grade teacher at Leesburg Elementary, pursuing training in the Science of Reading and literacy certifications
• Krista Dausman, Assistant Director of Special Services, working toward her Director of Exceptional Needs license

A Night to Shine Recognition

Representatives from A Night to Shine, Anne Petre and Christina Morehouse, recognized the Warsaw Area Career Center for their contributions to the annual event.  This marked the 9th year of the local celebration, which welcomed 174 guests and more than 300 volunteers. The event is held each year on the Friday before Valentine’s Day.

Cosmetology instructor Tina Streby accepted an award on behalf of the WACC cosmetology program, and Jeremiah Paseka was recognized on behalf of the welding program. Attendees had the opportunity to visit the WACC cosmetology salon to have their hair styled prior to the event, an experience that has become a highlight for many of the participants. Additionally, the WACC welding program created large illuminated letters for the event, which will be reused in future years. 

WCHS Student Council Update

Kristina Kolembe provided an update on behalf of the Warsaw Community High School Student Council, highlighting several upcoming events and initiatives:

• Senior Sunset is scheduled for May 21
• The graduation speaker has been selected
• A catered graduation lunch will replace the traditional breakfast this year
• Senior Jean Day will allow students to showcase their post-graduation plans
• Prom will take place this weekend, led by the junior class
• Student Council elections for next year will be held Tuesday
• Additionally, students surpassed their Riley fundraising goal of $3,000, raising just over that amount.

With graduation approaching, there are 19 school days until the end of school, and 32 total days remaining until commencement.