19 from Polk State’s collegiate high schools earn national recognition
The accomplishments of Polk State College’s three collegiate high schools regularly produce high achievers. That has been made evident once again with 19 students from Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School, Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, and Polk State Gateway to College Collegiate High School combining to earn national recognition from College Board.
Through College Board, students can earn national recognition for five categories – National African American Recognition Program, National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Indigenous Recognition Program, National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, and its newest program, the National First-Generation Recognition Program. To receive the national recognition, students must be strong academic performers, meet score requirements for at least one of three college entrance examinations, and identify as Black, Hispanic, Native American, be a first-generation college student, or attend school in a small town or rural area.
At Gateway to College Collegiate High School, Arielle Bonney, Nia Bonney, and Jamania Colo each earned national recognition through the African American program. Arielle Bonney and Colo were each recognized through the Rural program. Colo also received recognition for being a first-generation-in-college student.
“Their recognition is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and excellence. Earning these awards has highlighted their resilience and commitment to breaking new ground.”
“I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to them for their outstanding achievements in receiving national recognition from the College Board,” said Gateway Principal Meesha Downing-Townsend. “Their recognition is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and excellence. Earning these awards has highlighted their resilience and commitment to breaking new ground.
“They’ve not only made their families and our school proud but also set a shining example for their peers,” Downing-Townsend added. “Their achievements reflect the strength of character, perseverance, and passion for learning that we strive to cultivate at Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School.”
Lakeland Collegiate High School finished with 14 honorees. Piper Aceto, Alyssa Bailey, Emilia Barba, Kinsey Carr, Mallory Cowie, Lilyann Hendrix, Autum Hiner, Amber Klaber, Leah Koehler, Ethan Ketchum, Megan Myers, David Prieto Salomon, Robert Waterman, and Richard Shaw each earned national recognition for the Rural and Small Town program. Barba, Iren Hernandez, Klaber, and Prieto Salomon each earned National Hispanic recognition. Barba, Hernandez, Hiner, Ketchum, and Prieto Salomon were also honored with the First-Generation distinction.
“I am so proud of these students who achieved this national recognition for their outstanding academic accomplishments,” Lakeland Collegiate Principal Rick Jeffries said. “Our students work hard and continue to succeed in so many areas of their lives. This national recognition means so much to these students, their families, and our faculty and staff at Lakeland Collegiate. They all have bright futures ahead of them.”
Laura Charleus made Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School proud with multiple honors. She earned national recognition for the African American and First-Generation programs.
“Laura is a shining example of why we do what we do,” Chain of Lakes Principal Patrice Thigpen said. “As a first-generation college student, she has embraced the challenges that she’s been faced with and overcome them every time. We are so proud of her, and we know without a doubt that she is ready to succeed at the next level wherever she chooses to go.”
| Student | School | Recognition(s) |
| Piper Aceto | Lakeland Collegiate | Rural |
| Alyssa Bailey | Lakeland Collegiate | Rural |
| Emilia Barba | Lakeland Collegiate | First Generation, Hispanic, Rural |
| Arielle Bonney | Gateway | African American, Rural |
| Nia Bonney | Gateway | African American |
| Kinsey Carr | Lakeland Collegiate | Rural |
| Laura Charleus | Chain of Lakes | African American, First Generation |
| Jamania Colo | Gateway | African American, First Generation, Rural |
| Mallory Cowie | Lakeland Collegiate | Rural |
| Lilyann Hendrix | Lakeland Collegiate | Rural |
| Iren Hernandez | Lakeland Collegiate | First Generation, Hispanic |
| Autum Hiner | Lakeland Collegiate | First Generation, Rural |
| Ethan Ketchum | Lakeland Collegiate | First Generation, Rural |
| Amber Klaber | Lakeland Collegiate | Hispanic, Rural |
| Leah Koehler | Lakeland Collegiate | Rural |
| Megan Myers | Lakeland Collegiate | Rural |
| David Prieto Salomon | Lakeland Collegiate | First Generation, Hispanic, Rural |
| Richard Shaw | Lakeland Collegiate | Rural |
| Robert Waterman | Lakeland Collegiate | Rural |
Polk State’s three collegiate high schools allow students to complete high school requirements while earning college credits. In most cases, students graduate with their Associate in Arts degrees at no cost to them.
Powered by BigFuture, the College Board is an entity that provides information and resources for students to attend college. According to College Board’s website, earning national recognition demonstrates a student’s academic prowess and commitment to excellence. Many colleges and universities actively recruit and offer scholarships to students who have achieved national recognition through College Board.
“I am confident that these accolades are just the beginning of the many successes that lie ahead for them,” Downing-Townsend concluded. “Keep reaching for the stars – you are paving the way for future generations.”