
Polk State Lakeland Collegiate valedictorian and salutatorian take similar paths to top of class

For Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian, the path to graduation was similar, but their future plans are significantly different. Just three-thousandths of a point in grade-point average (GPA) separated valedictorian Kriti…

Single mom motivated by her son to complete Polk State Respiratory degree

Aleyah Watkins was back in class just 10 days after giving birth to her son. She was a manager at Chuck E. Cheese when motherhood inspired her to seek higher education and a rewarding career.…

Polk State College Spring Graduation Party

Polk State College’s Student Activities and Leadership Office hosted graduation parties on the Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses for the Spring 2023 Graduating Class.

Student is graduating debt-free thanks to affordability and support at Polk State

Jena’ Kelley will be the first in her family to graduate with a college degree and she’s doing it debt free. Kelley graduated high school in 2018 and applied to Polk State College because it…

Polk State gives All-American graduate Ru a shot at an education

Kaila Ru will leave Polk State College as one of the most decorated volleyball players in program history, but she’ll also be leaving with something perhaps more important – a degree. Ru, 20, will receive…

Polk State College will celebrate 128th commencement ceremonies May 4

Polk State College will host its 128th commencement with two ceremonies on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Ceremonies will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and graduates…

Marine goes from medically discharged to college degree at Polk State

Caysi Blask will walk across the graduation stage at Polk State College’s 128th commencement ceremony in honor of veterans despite the physical pain it may cause her. “Having veterans who have been there mentally, who…

Polk State student to graduate with high school diploma and bachelor’s degree

Carolyn Bazley will be celebrating two significant milestones at once as she graduates from Polk State College with both her high school diploma and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. Through Polk…

Polk State College will celebrate 128th commencement ceremonies May 4

Polk State College will host its 128th commencement with two ceremonies on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Ceremonies will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and graduates…

Polk State graduate motivated by love of outdoors

As declared by the United Nations, March 3 is World Wildlife Day. For recent Polk State College graduate Wyatt Updike, a passion for conservation, the outdoors, and service were evident from a young age. Updike,…