Polk State College celebrates 60th anniversary at Night of Legacy gala in support of Haines City-Davenport Campus
Polk State College marked its 60th diamond anniversary with a memorable A Night of Legacy gala, celebrating the institution’s longstanding commitment to education and community development. The evening, hosted by the Polk State College Foundation and presenting sponsor Citizens Bank & Trust, was filled with inspiring testimonials, heartfelt acknowledgments, and exciting announcements about the future of the College – particularly its Haines City-Davenport Campus.
Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, President of Polk State College, highlighted the transformational impact of Polk State education thanks to generous sponsors, donors, and guests. “The Polk State College Foundation awards approximately $1.2 million in student scholarships each year,” said Dr. Falconetti. “These scholarships are vital, as they provide essential financial support that enables our students to pursue higher education and achieve rewarding careers within areas of our community with increasing workforce demand. Every dollar raised tonight helps us continue this important work, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to transform their lives through education.”
Katelyn Lain, a Physical Therapist Assistant student, embodies this return on investment for donors and supporters of the College and its Foundation. Lain shared her journey Thursday evening, exemplifying the life-changing opportunities provided by the College and the importance of continued support for student scholarships. “Tearing my ACL last year introduced me to the rehab world, and I experienced firsthand the importance of compassionate care and patient advocacy,” Lain said. “Polk State’s PTA program is highly reputable, boasting a 100% pass rate, and I feel thoroughly prepared to enter the healthcare field thanks to the exceptional education and training I have received here. The new campus will only continue to enhance and grow highly skilled healthcare professionals for our community, ensuring that more students can benefit from the same high-quality education that I have received.”
Greg Littleton, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Bank & Trust and a member of the Polk State College District Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to the sponsors, donors, and attendees. “On behalf of the Polk State College District Board of Trustees and our Presenting Sponsor, Citizens Bank & Trust, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation’s generous donors and Legacy participants for their unwavering support of our students and community,” said Littleton. He emphasized the importance of expanding the College’s reach to Northeast Polk, which will create opportunities for thousands more residents.
The event also highlighted the significance of the new Haines City-Davenport Campus, which will expand access to education and resources for students across Polk County. “Your participation this evening contributes directly to the development of the Polk State Haines City-Davenport Campus,” Dr. Falconetti noted. “I am thrilled to show you what your support means for the future of Polk County.”
The event also featured remarks from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd; Nineteen61 Chef Marcos Fernandez; Dr. Steve Warner, Vice President for Resource Development & Executive Director of the Polk State College Foundation; and Polk State Foundation Board Chair David Fisher, as well as a toast by Polk State College District Board of Trustees Chair Cindy Hartley Ross.
Presenting Sponsor: Citizens Bank & Trust
Diamond Sponsors: A.D. Morgan; Winter Haven Hospital; Spath Jewelers
Legacy Sponsors: AdventHealth; Center State Development, LLC; LEGOLAND® Florida Resort; ORB Engineering; Ed & Nikki Smith; TECO — Tampa Electric
Eagle Sponsors: AT&T; Bank of Central Florida; Mrs. Ashley Bell Barnett & Mr. Wesley Barnett; Bond Clinic, P.A.; Boring Business Systems; Boswell & Dunlap LLP; City of Davenport; City of Winter Haven; Duke Energy®; International Diamond Center; Lakeland Regional Health®; Physician Group; Orlando Health; Publix Super Markets Charities; Saddle Creek Logistics Services; Straughn Trout Architects
Soaring Sponsors: A•C•T Environmental & Infrastructure; A.O. Wagner Construction; AlexanderDonalson, PLLC; Mr. Omar Arroyo & Mrs. Alejandra Arroyo; Commissioner Bill Braswell; CAPTRUST; CARTER; Cemex; Central Florida Development Council; Central Florida Health Care; CNP Agency; Dixie Southern Industrial, Inc.; Economic Development Councils: Bartow – Haines City – Lake Wales – Winter Haven; Eye Specialists of Mid Florida, P.A.; Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti & Mr. Robert Falconetti; Ms. Jennifer Fasking; Furr, Wegman & Banks Architects, P.A.; Harvard Jolly Architecture | PBK; Jarrett-Gordon Ford Davenport; The Mahalak Auto Group; Peterson & Myers, P.A.; The Honorable Dr. Martha Santiago & Mr. Alex Santiago; Scott House – Ronin Assets, LLC.; SouthState Bank; Straughn & Turner, P.A.; Tucker Paving, Inc.; UBS – The Watkins Johnson Wealth Management Group; Whitehead Construction
Talon Sponsors: The Baldwin Group – Kathryn Koch; Jack & Ann Barnhart; George W Butz III, DDS, P.A.; Citrus Connection; City of Haines City; CJAE Group; Mr. Bill Jacobs; The Honorable George Lindsey & Mrs. Marsha Lindsey; Lipson Pain Institute; Mr. Carlos & Mrs. Teresa V. Martinez; Ms. Von McGriff; Michelle Ledford Consulting, LLC; Mr. Jerry Mixon & Mrs. Pam Mixon; Dr. Paul Morin – Bond Clinic; The Honorable Dennis Ross & Mrs. Cindy Hartley Ross; Rowe Architects Incorporated; Ms. Tamara Sakagawa & Mr. Bruce Lyon; Saunders Real Estate; The Honorable Sam Killebrew & Eileen Killebrew; SEMCO Construction, Inc.; Six/Ten, LLC; SS Designs; Dr. Steve Warner & Mrs. Tresa Warner; Mr. Reggie Webb & Mrs. Deborah Webb; Stacey & J. J. Weeks