First-generation-in-college student achieves family’s dream with Polk State degree
Graduating Polk State College student Anna Martinez will finish 2020 with a newborn baby and an Associate in Science in Business Administration as the first in her family of 10 to achieve a college degree.…
For graduating BSN student, Polk State Nursing runs in the family
Mother, daughter, and son – all graduates of Polk State College, and all gainfully employed nurses saving lives, one patient at time. Mom, Patricia Decker, a 2005 graduate of the Associate in Science in Nursing…
Polk State student never gave up on education, reaches graduation with Complete Florida Scholarship
Mercedes Marshall’s nearly 10-year higher education journey marked with working full time and raising her family as a single mother will culminate this month with the achievement of her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice…
Nursing student perseveres through pandemic with support from Polk State Foundation
Clive Perry says he didn’t truly know what stress was until he enrolled in Polk State College’s rigorous Nursing Program. He had a similar realization when the uncertainty of how to pay for school became…
Winter Haven human resources assistant finds path to helping people at Polk State
Olivia Sanchez was unsure of her career path when she started her college journey, but she knew she wanted to help people. Naturally, she began on a health sciences track, but when she realized medicine…
Polk State Criminal Justice grad overcomes doubts, obstacles with support of professors
Amanda Rivera comes from a family of law enforcement officials and always aspired to a career in criminal justice, but her path was not always clear as she had to overcome personal doubts and challenges…
Polk State Masters of Machining: CNC grad fast tracks her success by learning a trade
For Darah Greenwald, college never seemed financially in reach and after one semester of taking general education courses, she realized that the traditional college route was not for her. Instead, she fast tracked her success…
Polk State Masters of Machining: CNC Machining grad finds his path as machinist
Robert Pettypiece is a successful machinist who found his path and high-wage career as a graduate of Polk State Corporate College’s Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machining Program. He’ll admit that school was never his strong…
Polk State Criminal Justice grad with diverse experience finds success as investigator
John Traas comes from a family of law enforcement professionals, but it was through his own education, internships, and career that he learned the large diversity of opportunities that exist in the criminal justice field.…
Back to school at 40 and graduating, Polk State Aerospace student gets to “do every day what I dreamed of as a kid”
Anthony Reynolds wanted to fly since childhood. At 6 years old, he told his aunt he aspired to become a pilot. At 17, he flew his first plane. But at 19, he decided to stay…