MARION, Ind. (Oct. 1, 2025) – Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) announced that on Friday, May 30, Whiteland Community High School honored IWU student Jen Accinelli as its Classified Employee of the Year. Presented by Clark-Pleasant Community School Corp (CPCSC) in collaboration with sponsor Elements Financial, this $500 check was given to Accinelli during the school’s End of the Year Celebration in Whiteland’s Glen Ray Gymnasium, in recognition of her exemplary dedication, passion, and excellence.
Accinelli is currently part of IWU’s STEP-UP program. The Support, Train, and Educate Partnership (STEP-UP) provides aspiring educators with an affordable route to the classroom, helping schools meet staffing needs while equipping students like Accinelli to graduate debt-free.
“This marks the first time this partner district has awarded a certified staff recognition tied to our STEP-UP pathway, providing strong proof of our program’s outcomes and partnerships,” said Amie Anderson, dean of the School of Integrated Learning and Development. “We congratulate Jen and look forward to the future successes of both she and her peers.”
Accinelli has been recognized locally and also submitted to the Indiana state classified employee recognition program. CPCSC noted in an official statement that they are proud to have her as part of their team.
“Our financial wellness partnership with Clark-Pleasant reflects a shared belief: when individuals feel supported, whether in the classroom or in their finances, they’re better equipped to thrive,” said a representative of the Elements Financial team. “It’s been a joy to offer tools and resources that help these outstanding professionals care for themselves the way they care for everyone else.”
To learn more about IWU’s STEP-UP pathways or to explore district partnership opportunities, contact stepup@indwes.edu or visit indwes.edu.
