Gateway valedictorian and salutatorian heading to Florida universities
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School’s top two graduates plan on going in different directions career-wise, but the two will remain in state.
Valedictorian DeLacey Kennedy and salutatorian Jamania Colo topped the 2025 class. Kennedy graduated with a 4.721 grade-point average. Colo, who graduated two years early at just 16 years old, wasn’t far behind with a stellar 4.68.
“It’s special to me because I worked so hard to get the grade I did,” Kennedy exclaimed. “I’m proud all of my hard work paid off.”
“It was very special,” Colo added. “I didn’t know if I would be able to graduate this year. The fact that I was salutatorian blew my mind.”
Both Kennedy and Colo earned Associate in Arts degrees in addition to their diplomas. Kennedy began her high school career at George Jenkins High School before transferring to Gateway for her final two years.
“Gateway gave me the opportunity to get a college experience before transferring to a big university,” Kennedy explained. “It’s a lot different than a regular high school. It took some time to transition, but I enjoyed it. I was happy to be able to get an AA.”
Colo has been taking college classes since she was in middle school. She and her family moved from Orlando to Polk County when she was in ninth grade. Colo started at Tenoroc High School before transferring to Gateway.
“Once I transferred to Gateway, everything changed,” she reflected. “The faculty and staff helped me adjust. When I needed something, they were there right away. I love the school events.”
What lies ahead
Kennedy will continue her education at Florida State University where she plans on majoring in biology before going into pre-medical. Currently employed at Westminster Lakeland, a nursing home, Kennedy has seen the difference those in the medical field can make.
“I hope to work in the healthcare setting,” Kennedy noted. “Working in a nursing home has given me insight. I’d like to be able to help people. I’m very interested in emergency medicine.”
Colo has been accepted to the University of Central Florida where she hopes to major in emerging media. An enthusiast of graphic design and video editing, Colo wants to work in digital media. She currently has her own YouTube channel with about 400 subscribers.
“It’s putting art and technology together,” Colo explained. “I love those two things.”
The collegiate experience
In most cases, students at Polk State’s collegiate high schools graduate with an associate degree in addition to their diplomas. The College has two other collegiate high schools – Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School on the Winter Haven Campus and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School on the Lakeland Campus. More information about Polk State’s collegiate high schools can be found here.
“(Guidance Counselor Renee Portfilio) was really helpful whenever I had questions,” Kennedy reflected. “She made sure I had everything I needed to graduate.”
Colo learned about Gateway from her guidance counselors at Tenoroc. She credits her faith and her parents, Jean Jacob Colo and Maggy Zama, for her success. Colo had another unique opportunity this year – to graduate high school with her sister, Majana.
“It was an amazing experience,” Colo said. “My mom fought really hard for me to go to this school. My dad had been telling me about dual enrollment since I was in kindergarten. It was amazing to graduate with my sister. We’re lifelong best friends.”
Students at Polk State’s collegiate high schools are eligible to join all College clubs and organizations, but many say that the college schedule allows for more time for extracurricular activities. Both Colo and Kennedy were members of National Honor Society. During high school, Kennedy did competitive gymnastics with Golden City Gymnastics in Brandon. She was also a member of Health Occupations Students of America and the faith-based organization, Young Life.
“The advice I would have is to manage your time well but have fun at the same time,” Kennedy said. “Don’t procrastinate with your schoolwork. It will make you more stressed and put you behind.”
A member of Christ Sanctified Church in Orlando, Colo also volunteered at Bonnet Springs Park and Cards 2 Warriors – an organization that sends cards to those battling chronic illness. Colo offered similar advice for those considering a collegiate high school.
“The advice I have is to work hard and be prepared to make sacrifices,” she concluded. “It’s tougher than regular high school classes, but it’s worth it.”