Polk State alumna graduates from medical school, heads to emergency medicine residency as new doctor
Dr. Jennifer Ruiz never imagined that her journey from dual-enrollment classes at Polk State College to earning her medical degree would include studying medicine on a Caribbean island. But the College alumna, who graduated from…
Recent graduate becomes Lakeland Collegiate’s first National Merit Scholar
Less than a month after graduating from Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School, Madison Dolan has made history. On June 3, Dolan was recognized as a winner of a National Merit Scholarship – the first…
Polk State Education grad earns Teacher of the Year at Scott Lake Elementary
Polk State College alumna Courtney Bedsole has been a teacher for just two years in Polk County Public Schools. At Scott Lake Elementary School, she has made an immediate impact. A fourth-grade teacher, Bedsole was…
59 Polk State students named to 2025-26 FCSAA All-Academic Team
A 2025-2026 Academic Year that saw Polk State College accomplish many things has culminated in 59 Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) All-Academic Team recognitions for the College’s athletes and members of the Speech and…
Polk State art students bring vibrant school spirit to Denison Middle through mural partnership
Polk State College’s mural class has partnered with Denison Middle School to create three vibrant, school-spirited pieces that are transforming the hallways and building bridges between college and community. The collaboration provided Polk State students…
Polk State Chain of Lakes’ top grads to stay in Central Florida
Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School’s top two graduates will remain in the broader Central Florida region but will head different directions on Interstate 4. Valedictorian David Bonner will head west to the…
Polk State Nursing extends summer application window to May 29
Polk State College’s Nursing Program is accepting applications through May 29 for students interested in starting the generic Associate in Science in Nursing track in the Fall 2026 Semester. The College added extra summer sections…
Polk State Gateway high school’s top 2026 grads earn bachelor’s degrees
Most graduates from Polk State College’s collegiate high schools leave with their Associate in Arts degrees in addition to a high school diploma. The top two members of Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate…
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…
Polk State Nursing to offer summer application window with addition of Microbiology and A&P classes
Polk State College’s Nursing Program will open a summer application period from May 11 through May 22, 2026, for the generic Associate in Science in Nursing track. The College added extra summer sections of Microbiology…