Polk State collegiate high school student to graduate with AS in Aerospace Administration

About 70% of students enrolled in one of Polk State College’s three collegiate high schools earned an Associate in Arts degree with their diploma in 2024. This year, Tristin Petrosky has proven that an Associate in Science is also possible for students who seek more specialized degree tracks.

A student at Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, Petrosky graduated cum laude with an Associate in Science in Aerospace Administration during Thursday’s 132nd commencement ceremony. Petrosky credits Polk State’s Aerospace Program for providing him with a quality, affordable path to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, one of the top aerospace programs in the nation. Embry-Riddle is the “world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace,” according to its website.

“It was a great atmosphere,” Petrosky said of the Polk State Aerospace Program. “Professors gave great feedback and are there to help. I enjoyed being part of a program with like-minded people who had passions similar to mine.”

Originally from Virginia, Petrosky moved to Florida in 2021. Petrosky’s first two years of high school were split between online and Lake Region High School. He learned about Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School from his former Lake Region Assistant Principal, Angela Ambrose, who had transitioned to a guidance counselor at Chain of Lakes.

“There is so much support for students here,” he explained. “Teachers go out of their way to help. The schedule is open, so you can pick what works best for you. There is a wide variety of classes to choose from.”

Petrosky was intrigued by the opportunity to earn a college degree at no cost to him. His peers, he noted, had similar ambitions.

“Who doesn’t want a free degree?” Petrosky questioned. “That was one of the biggest appeals. I also liked being surrounded by students who were goal oriented like I am.”

Petrosky was intrigued by the collegiate high school experience, but before arriving at Polk State, he wasn’t sure about which career field to pursue. That’s when he learned about the Aerospace Program – a quality, cost-effective program that utilizes a state-of-the-art, future-focused approach to training modeled around the real-world operations of the modern Aerospace industry.

“I’ve always enjoyed air shows,” Petrosky reflected. “I’ve always liked military aviation and history. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I got to Polk State. I learned about the Aerospace Program and decided to see where it went. I’m really happy with my decision.”

Since Polk State Aerospace launched in 2013, the program has experienced much success, including job placement for its graduates thanks to industry partnerships, valuable study abroad opportunities, and authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to save students thousands of dollars in flight-training hours.

“There’s a lot of real-world experience you gain in the program,” Petrosky added. “You can tell the simulators there are quality. There was so much to learn.”

As he moves on to the world’s largest aeronautical university, Petrosky plans on majoring in aeronautical science flight. He hopes to one day work as a commercial pilot. To help him reach that decision, he credits Polk State Professor of Mathematics Alric Fischle III, who served as a mentor.

“Professor Fischle spent countless hours with me and most of what we discussed had nothing to do with math,” Petrosky recalled. “He helped me figure out where I was going and what I wanted to do. He’s been very supportive. He never made me feel like I was a burden.”

During his time at Chain of Lakes, Petrosky was a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of Polk State, he was also active in his community as a member of Polk County Teen Court and the Winter Haven Police Department Cadets. Petrosky also achieved the rank of eagle with Boy Scouts of America.

Afforded the ability to balance his time by Polk State’s flexible scheduling options, which include fast track and online courses, Petrosky offered advice for those considering the collegiate high schools.

“Go for it,” he urged. “It’s a great opportunity to get ahead in your educational journey. There are so many people willing to help you reach your goals.”