Polk State Chain of Lakes valedictorian earns top spot and bachelor’s degree

Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School valedictorian Georgia Medrano-Flores is no stranger to challenging herself academically. Doing so, however, hasn’t kept her from being active in extracurricular activities, doing what she loves and volunteering her time.

Medrano-Flores topped Chain of Lakes’ class with a 4.812 grade-point average (GPA). When all was said and done, she left high school with a Polk State Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management – one of three collegiate high school students to earn a bachelor’s degree this academic year.

Cora Garrano graduated as salutatorian with a 4.708 GPA.

“I was thrilled to be valedictorian,” Medrano-Flores said. “My family was proud of me. I’ve reflected on my growth over the years. I worked extremely hard and learned a lot over this journey.”

Medrano-Flores spent her first two years of high school in the Cambridge Program at Winter Haven High School. She was an All-County piano player and a four-year member of the girls varsity soccer team at Winter Haven High. Medrano-Flores has played competitive soccer with Winter Haven Kicks since middle school and is a member of Heartland Church where she played piano in the youth band.

A member of National Honor Society at Chain of Lakes, Medrano-Flores also volunteered at the Polk County History Center and takes karate. For all of her successes, she credits her parents, Joe Montoya and Doris Flores-Herrera.

“My parents were always very supportive during my educational journey,” Medrano-Flores recalled. “They were my guide and inspiration. They’re two really hardworking people who passed that on.”

Chain of Lakes is one of three Polk State collegiate high schools along with Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School and Polk State Gateway to College Collegiate High School. Most collegiate high school students graduate simultaneously with their Associate in Arts degree and diploma at no cost to them.

“I was intrigued by the opportunity to take college classes without the financial burden,” Medrano-Flores explained. “The staff and faculty are wonderful. (Guidance Counselor Dr. Peter) Preston guided me through the process. (Professor of Mathematics Alric) Fischle was one of my favorite teachers and provided a lot of guidance as well.”

Born in Jacksonville, Medrano-Flores and her family moved to Polk County when she was in the fourth grade. She’s now headed to the southwest where she will attend Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

“I hope to one day be able to help serve underserved communities,” Medrano-Flores added. “We grew up relatively poor. I want to be someone who helps to raise those communities up.”

As has been the case with Medrano-Flores, students at Polk State’s collegiate high schools remain eligible to participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics and clubs at their collegiate high school, their local high school, and Polk State College. For those considering a collegiate high school, Medrano-Flores offered advice.

“Learn to effectively manage your time,” she urged. “It’s challenging, so just take it day by day. Enjoy the small moments and push forward.”