Business-minded grads top Polk State Lakeland Collegiate’s 2026 class

Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School’s top two graduates each have big career dreams – both in business.

Troy Xiong and Conner Davidson were the top two graduates in Lakeland Collegiate’s 2026 class. Xiong, the valedictorian, graduated with a stellar 4.758 grade-point average (GPA).

“I feel very blessed,” Xiong exclaimed. “If you would have told me five years ago that I would be a valedictorian, I never would have believed you. I wasn’t the best student or the smartest kid growing up. It’s been a long journey, and this shows my growth.”

Davidson, the salutatorian, wasn’t far behind with a 4.729 GPA.

“What makes me most happy about it is that I made my parents (Sean and Tiffany Davidson) proud,” Davidson reflected. “They supported me and encouraged me to do the best I can my whole life. They’re the reason why I worked so hard.”

Business paths

Both graduates earned an Associate in Arts in addition to their high school diplomas. Davidson plans on staying close to home to attend Florida Southern College in Lakeland while majoring in business analytics. Currently employed at Publix Super Markets, Davidson hopes to work his way into a corporate role with the Lakeland-based chain.

“Publix offers a lot of opportunities to move up the corporate ranks, no matter where you start within the company,” Davidson added. “Florida Southern’s business program has a great success rate, so I’m excited to see where that takes me as well.”

Xiong is bound for the University of Florida where he hopes to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He plans on majoring in management information systems with hopes of becoming a product manager for a company.

“I love the feeling of interaction and innovation,” Xiong explained. “I want to help create new products to make life easier and expand the knowledge of mankind.”

Getting involved

Previously recognized as the top public high school in Polk County by U.S. News & World Report, Lakeland Collegiate is housed on the Lakeland Campus and is one of Polk State’s three collegiate high schools. In most cases, graduates earn an Associate in Arts degree with a diploma and at no cost to them. Students at Polk State College’s collegiate high schools can participate in all College clubs and activities as well as activities at their zoned schools – like athletics.

Xiong spent two years as a member of the boys varsity soccer team at Haines City High School where he spent his 10th-grade year in the International Baccalaureate program. He also serves as the worship leader for his church, Sunshine Hmong Alliance Church in Plant City, and plays piano in competitions and recitals.

Davidson began his high school career at Berkley Advanced Studies in Auburndale where he was a member of the speech and debate team. He volunteers at Berkley Elementary School and Polk City Elementary School and with Southeastern University’s Pathways School of Excellence, which serves students with unique abilities. With a family history of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it’s a cause that’s near to Davidson’s heart.

“It’s something members of my family have dealt with,” Davidson added. “I want to help people feel included.”

Support systems

With many high-achieving students, Lakeland Collegiate’s top graduates say support is in place to help students succeed. Xiong mentioned School Counselor Patricia Edgecomb and Student Resource Specialist Bradley Hofstetter among those who guided his path.

“They helped me with my career direction and kept me on track,” Xiong said. “Overall, they were just a great support system.”

Providing that direction for Davidson was Paraeducator Susan Curry.

“Ms. Curry was always there for me,” he said. “It was a big change going from a regular high school. She was my mentor and always so helpful.”

With helping find a career path, Davidson credits his father Sean, who works in finance for the Walt Disney World Company. He spent the summer working with his father.

“I’ve always been around businesspeople,” Davidson added. “I like to understand and explain the numbers. Business is very important in this world.”

Words of advice

For those considering one of Polk State’s collegiate high schools, both Davidson and Xiong offered parting words of advice. More information about Polk State’s collegiate high schools is available at polk.edu/charter-high-schools.

“My advice is to stay active and involved,” Xiong said. “There are so many opportunities on campus and in the community. You just have to put yourself out there and show up.”

“You make your own schedule and have freedom, which can be a good and a bad thing,” Davidson shared. “Always have a schedule and stick to it. That’s always helped me. Be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you.”

Xiong acknowledged that balancing extracurricular activities and college coursework can be daunting. For those who feel overwhelmed, Xiong noted the importance of seeking support.

“Some people don’t like to talk about it, but I can’t stress the importance of mental health enough,” the valedictorian concluded. “Asking for help, seeking it out and finding someone to talk to is so important. It will help you be successful.”