Warsaw Adult Education Earns First Program of Excellence Designation
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.
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 WEA’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 Warsaw Adult Education, 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,” Leo shared. “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.
Leo emphasized that 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.”
Warsaw Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert shared, “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.”
In 2026-27, Warsaw Adult Education is building on that success with new staff members Joey Narramore, Jenny Snider and Dina Coverstone, who joined the team this year to support adult learners and expand opportunities for success.
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Photo Provided: Pictured are Leo Patiño, director; Grant Hendrikse, HSE teacher; Amy Nette, support specialist; Amanda Taylor, HSE teacher; Brenda Sanchez, ELL teacher; Clara Borda, ELL teacher; and Diana Clark, HSE teacher and program coordinator. Not pictured are fellow 2025-26 team members Ellie Hepler, Tanya Kempton, Cindy Thomas, Tammy Wilson, Irene Garcia and Jaimie Kirkwood.