Mother and son to graduate together with Polk State AA degrees
Melissa Simon first enrolled in college a quarter-century before her son Stephen was born. On Thursday, however, they’ll be sitting next to one another as proud graduates of Polk State College. The two will each…
Polk State grad gets degree five decades after dropping out in memory of loved one
More than 50 years after dropping out of high school, Steve Gardner is prepared to walk across the RP Funding Center stage as a Polk State College graduate. Gardner will earn his Associate in Arts…
Live performances and exhibits return to Polk State’s renovated Fine Arts Building
With the newly renovated Polk State College Winter Haven Fine Arts (WFA) Building fully reopened, student and faculty performances and exhibits in Theatre, Music, and Visual Arts have returned for the Spring 2025 Semester. The…
Polk State collegiate high school students take top three spots in annual MLK essay contest
Coming back from winter break isn’t always a thrill, but for three Polk State College collegiate high school students, it was a victorious January. Polk State 10th-grade students took the top three spots in the…
Graduate set up for success by Polk State after fleeing home country
Lorsen Thebaud’s arrival in Polk County came under unfortunate and unexpected circumstances. Now a graduate, his decision to attend Polk State College, however, has set him on the path to continued success. Thebaud graduated with…
First-generation student lands job, finds passion ahead of graduation from Polk State Nursing Program
Then a licensed practical nurse, Joane Mertilien applied to Polk State College’s Nursing Program in 2021 with the hopes of making a better life for her and her now 9-year-old son. In the process, Mertilien…
Mulberry City Clerk: Polk State bachelor’s degree gives “a little more clout”
For six years, Jenn Denson-Garcia has been serving municipalities in Polk County as a clerk. As a wife and mother to two daughters, her decision to enroll at Polk State College in her late-40s was…
Polk State College will celebrate 131st Commencement on December 4
Polk State College will celebrate its 131st commencement on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include remarks by Polk State President Dr.…
Ghana to Gainesville: Polk State sets student on path to success
Theresa Aba Ackon’s venture to Polk State College spanned more than 5,500 miles. In less than two years on campus, however, Ackon has undoubtedly left her mark. A native of Ghana, Ackon is slated to…
Polk State grad overcomes cancer to achieve degree after two decades
Kristin Simpson earned her Polk State College Associate in Arts degree in May 2024 – more than 20 years after enrolling for the first time. Over the final two months, however, she faced more adversity…