Aviation enthusiasts claim Polk State Lakeland Collegiate’s top spots for 2025
Both Polk State College Lakeland Collegiate High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian have an aviation background. Over their two years at Lakeland Collegiate, both soared to great heights.
As is the case with most of Polk State’s collegiate high school graduates, Lakeland Collegiate’s top two graduates will also leave with Associate in Arts degrees. Luke McCastlain, the valedictorian, topped the class with a 4.885 grade-point average.
“It’s a big honor,” McCastlain said. “When I think about it, it reminds me of all the people who helped me get here. It really is a great privilege.”
McCastlain was homeschooled through the Classical Conversations program for his entire education before enrolling at Lakeland Collegiate as a high school junior. Kim Hanshaw served as one of his most influential tutors, but for McCastlain, it was his mother, Stacey McCastlain, who was his primary educator for the first 16 years of his life.
“As my homeschool teacher, she literally taught me everything I know,” he reflected. “She set me up for success and I can’t thank her enough.”
Ethan Ketchum finished as salutatorian with a 4.780 GPA. He began high school at Central Florida Aerospace Academy in Lakeland before enrolling at Lakeland Collegiate for 11th grade.
“Being salutatorian means a lot, considering it’s been rated as the top school in Polk County,” Ketchum said. “I’m really proud.”
What’s next
Ketchum has been accepted to the University of Florida where he plans on majoring in mechanical engineering. Hoping to design roller coasters, Ketchum wants to be an engineer. He once designed a roller coaster that was eight feet tall using the building toys, K’NEX.
“I’m obsessed with roller coasters,” Ketchum explained. “I’ve wanted to design them ever since I could ride them, which took a while because I was in the eighth grade before I was 54 inches tall.”
McCastlain will also stay in-state at the University of Central Florida. He will major in business and real estate in addition to joining the U.S. Air Force ROTC, which is a commissioning force that readies participants to enter the Air Force as officers. After graduation, McCastlain wants to join the Air Force and fly fighter jets.
“Since I was young, I’ve been fascinated with all things aviation,” McCastlain noted. “I love the military and want to serve my country. This would be a way to combine the two coolest things in the world.”
A regular volunteer at SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, McCastlain is a member of the Civil Air Patrol and was previously a member of the Lakeland Aero Club. He already has a private glider pilot license and is training to get his powered private pilot license. During his time at Central Florida Aerospace Academy, Ketchum earned his Part 107 drone license through the Federal Aviation Administration and an Associate in Mechanical Design through SOLIDWORKS.
The collegiate experience
At Lakeland Collegiate, both Ketchum and McCastlain felt privileged to be supported by a dedicated staff. Both mentioned Guidance Counselor Holly Arnaud as a helpful voice.
“Ms. Arnaud helped me a lot with scheduling classes,” Ketchum said. “She was my best resource at Collegiate.”
“She was a big influence,” McCastlain added. “I could contact her at any time with any questions that I had.”
Polk State’s collegiate high schools allow students to graduate with their Associate in Arts degrees and high school diploma simultaneously and at no cost to them. More than 82% of Lakeland Collegiate’s graduates earn a college degree.
“As I was coming out of 10th grade, I wanted to do something different and challenge myself more,” McCastlain explained. “I met with the staff, and they were extremely friendly. I knew right away that this was where I wanted to go.
“What stood out was the difference in education,” he continued. “I could tailor my classes to my future aspirations. I feel so much more prepared. I’m blessed to have already had a college experience.”
“I love that I had the opportunity to get an AA degree for free,” Ketchum added. “It saved me a ton of money and allowed me to get ahead in my studies.”
Ketchum was a member of the Lakeland Collegiate Tech Club, National Honor Society, Polk State’s Phi Theta Kappa program, and the Unmanned Squadron – the drone club at Central Florida Aerospace Academy – where he served stints as president and vice president.
Students at Polk State’s collegiate high schools also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular organizations at local public and charter schools. A member of the Kathleen High School swimming and diving team, Ketchum finished in the top 10 at the state championships in each of the last two years in the 1-meter dive.
“The great thing about the collegiate high schools is you can choose which high school you represent for athletics,” Ketchum noted. “You have more options. Even though we don’t go to the same school, my swimming and diving teammates are great friends of mine.”
He’ll head to North Carolina this month to represent Orlando Dive Academy, which is coached by former Florida State University national diving champion Terry Horner, for the national championships. McCastlain has also been fortunate to have accomplished people by his side. One of his mentors is Nielson Nicolosi, a lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol.
“I’ve learned to be grateful for the people around me,” McCastlain reflected. “I know how lucky I am to be put in this position and for the people who helped put me in a position to succeed.”
Parting words and advice
Recently rated as the No. 1 public school in Polk County by U.S. News & World Report, the top two graduates offered advice for those considering Lakeland Collegiate or one of Polk State’s three collegiate high schools. Lakeland Collegiate has held a school grade of an A since the 2015-16 Academic Year.
“You should 100% consider it if you already know what you want to do career-wise,” McCastlain urged. “It will put you way ahead. Stay on top of your schoolwork. You might feel overwhelmed at times, but don’t give up and keep pushing forward.”
Polk State is home to two additional charter high schools: Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School and Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School. Chain of Lakes and Lakeland Collegiate serve 10th through 12th grade. Gateway serves students who have at least 10 high school credits and are no older than 21. More information about Polk State’s collegiate high schools can be found here.
“If you get caught behind, you’ll stay behind,” Ketchum concluded. “Stay on top of your coursework and you’ll be successful.”