First-generation-in-college student: Mom’s dreams are my dreams, my dreams are her dreams
Marielys Cirilo’s parents moved from Puerto Rico to the U.S. as young adults with big dreams of going to college. But they quickly married and had children, and higher education became financially out of reach.…
Graduating student practices what she preached to her children
Teretha Robinson has attended Polk State College on and off for more than 30 years, coming up with “all of the excuses in the world” as to why she couldn’t complete her degree. “I had…
Polk State’s youngest bachelor’s student to receive degree May 3
Harrison Broer said his first day of college was weird. That’s because he was only 15 years old, and after completing his Associate in Arts degree a semester before graduating from Polk State Lakeland Collegiate…
From nurse to patient: Graduating student overcomes debilitating illness to achieve BSN
Amber Price has dedicated her life to helping and healing others, but soon after starting her career as a registered nurse at Winter Haven Hospital, she was forced to switch her role to patient as…
Graduating student: Polk State showed me I don’t have to be another statistic
Growing up, no one encouraged Keiona Haggins to go to school. “I was only told to not end up pregnant or in jail,” she said. She lived in a home where emotional and physical abuse…
Polk State to celebrate 118th commencement ceremony
Nearly 700 students with Polk State College’s 118th graduating class will walk the stage Thursday, May 3, at the RP Funding Center to receive their diplomas. The upcoming commencement ceremony, which will start at 6:30…
Baccalaureate Student Thanks Foundation, Mental Health Services For Her Success
Nikki Torres was no stranger to life’s challenges in 2016 when she was diagnosed with sarcoidosis – an incurable auto immune disorder. As a single mother to a son with autism who climbed her way…
Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications
The Polk State College Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year through March 15. The Foundation awards more than $1.5 million in scholarships each year. To apply for a scholarship, a…
Collegiate High Schools No. 1 In State For Graduation Rates
Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate and Lakeland Collegiate high schools rank No. 1 out of 448 public high schools in Florida for four-year graduation rates. Gov. Rick Scott recently notified Polk State College’s charter…
Polk State’s 117th Commencement: Top 10 Grad Caps
Graduation is a time to celebrate, and what better way than creating a festive grad cap to distinguish yourself among the commencement crowd. While many spend weeks before graduation prepping their colorful caps, students also…