Visual Arts Alumnus: “Polk State Was a Beginning, and Without It, I Wouldn’t Be Where I am Today”
In the 50-year history of Polk State College, there are thousands of stories of alumni who have achieved success in the health sciences or public safety or business. More rare are stories like that of Sam Romero,…
Polk State Lakeland Honors Veterans, Winter Haven Event is Tuesday
Polk State Lakeland paused Monday to honor veterans, thank them for their service and sacrifice, and remind them that the College is ready to help as they transition to the classroom. “Thank you for your service…
Polk PTA Alumnus Jorge Espinosa: Restoring Functionality and Hope
While studying at Polk State College, Jorge Espinosa learned all the textbook knowledge for his new career as a physical therapist assistant, but more importantly, he learned when to put his textbooks aside. “I remember…
Respiratory Care Alumna Says Program Allowed Her to Start a Career and Family on Her Terms
Ammany Shihaibar knew where she wanted to end up in life, and with help from Polk State, she got there, right on time. “If it hadn’t been for Polk State and the Respiratory Care program,”…
Grove Worker to College Graduate: Polk State Alumnus Daniel Jaime Uses His Life Story to Advocate for Education
Daniel Jaime was raised in Polk County’s orange groves. As a baby, he slept in a picking sack tied from the tree branches. As a toddler, his playpen was a fruit crate. When he outgrew…
Polk Dean Focused on Accessibility: “We Have to Help Students See Themselves Here”
For Polk State’s Sylvester Little, education — literally overnight — saved him from poverty. In the decades since, he’s helped countless students believe in their own potential, achieve their goals, and transform their lives. He’ll continue…
Polk State Alumnus Receives Scholarship to Study at Juilliard School
This fall, like millions of students across the country, Polk State alumnus AJ Stillabower will be heading back to the classroom. Only it will be a classroom at the renowned Juilliard School. And he will…
Professor Creates Frog Habitat in Lab, Learning Comes to Life
Like most people, Logan Randolph had often thought about what he’d do if he came into some extra cash. Unlike most people, he decided he’d spend it on poison dart frogs. Randolph got his windfall…
Polk State’s 109th Commencement is Dec. 12; Winter Haven City Manager Deric Feacher to Speak
Polk State College will celebrate its 109th commencement at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 at The Lakeland Center’s Jenkins Arena. The ceremony will feature a keynote address by Winter Haven native and City Manager Deric…
Polk Grad Injured in Traffic Accident; Donations Being Accepted for Prosthetic
Polk State graduate Tyler Ewles is facing a difficult recovery after a traffic accident in late October, and an account has been established at the College for those who would like to lend their financial…