Polk State Gateway high school’s top 2026 grads earn bachelor’s degrees
Most graduates from Polk State College’s collegiate high schools leave with their Associate in Arts degrees in addition to a high school diploma. The top two members of Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School’s 2026 class will leave with bachelor’s degrees.
Valedictorian Dayanara Rodriguez-Herrera and salutatorian Aiden Tufino were two of the three members of Gateway’s 155-graduate class to earn bachelor’s degrees.
Rodriguez-Herrera earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and topped her class with a 4.787 grade-point average (GPA).
“To be valedictorian means a lot,” Rodriguez-Herrera said. “It was something I aimed for from the beginning but since we have so many great students, I wasn’t expecting it.”
Tufino earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management with a concentration in Business Administration. Tufino leaves Gateway with a 4.657 GPA.
“I’m so blessed to have had this opportunity,” he reflected. “It wasn’t easy to get this far, but God gave me the strength to keep pushing through.”
What’s next
Each of Gateway’s top two graduates spent three years at the school. Rodriguez-Herrera hopes to eventually earn a master’s degree, but come late-August, she will become a member of the U.S. Marines.
“I wanted a new challenge for myself, and the military is something that is very different,” she explained. “My brother, Bryan Herrera, is in the military and told me about the many benefits. The military also creates a second family and a sense of belonging. It will be an honor to serve my country.”
Tufino remains undecided on his next steps – or at least the order. He hopes to eventually earn a master’s degree and own a property management business. Tufino has looked at Florida International University and the University of Miami as potential options for continuing his education but is debating whether to pursue a master’s now or to start his business first.
“I’m still praying about what to do next,” Tufino shared. “I know that I do want to start my own business in the next two years. It interests me because it’s a great way to stay financially free and stable.”
The Gateway experience
For 2026, Gateway had 54% of its graduates earn a college degree – and at no cost to them. In addition to the three bachelor’s degrees, 80 graduates earned an Associate in Arts.
“The administration, the students – everything about Gateway was amazing,” Rodriguez- Herrera said. “There’s a close connection between teachers and students. The teachers are just so helpful and supportive. It was more than I expected.”
For Tufino, graduating from Gateway has become something of a family tradition. One of seven children, four of Tufino’s sisters have already graduated from Polk State. Three graduated from Gateway.
“It’s a lot of work but it’s worth it,” he exclaimed. “I was hesitant about leaving my previous school at first, but now, I can’t imagine going anywhere else. It’s the greatest opportunity I was ever given.”
From the teachers and peers to the highest levels of the school’s administration, which includes Principal Meesha Downing-Townsend, Assistant Principal Tania Chandler and School Counselor Renee Portfilio, the students felt supported.
“Dr. Portfilio helped me from the very beginning, making sure my schedule was set and I had the classes that I needed,” Rodriguez-Herrera added. “Ms. Chandler was the reason I went to Gateway in the first place. She gave me so much information and made me believe that I could leave with a bachelor’s.”
In addition to school, both students felt fortunate to also have support at home.
“My family has supported me every step of the way,” Tufino added. “They were always there for me, supporting me and encouraging me. It feels so good to have a degree coming out of high school. I was able to get ahead and save so much money.”
Advice for others
Gateway is housed on the Lakeland Campus. Students from Gateway not only achieved high marks in the classroom, but members of the 2026 class combined for more than 1,000 hours of community service.
“Give Gateway a chance,” Rodriguez-Herrera said. “It’s a great opportunity to get ahead. It’s different from a regular high school but it’s the best decision I’ve made in life so far.”
Last academic year, in just its second year receiving a school grade, Gateway was given an A grade. Polk State’s other two high schools – Lakeland Collegiate High School and Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School – also received A grades. Gateway’s top two graduates offered advice for those considering the collegiate route.
“It’s a great decision and one I’ve never regretted,” Rodriguez-Herrera concluded. “You have to be organized and not procrastinate. Stay focused and manage your time.”
“You have to work to be successful,” Tufino said. “I stayed disciplined and didn’t give up. My advice is to go for it, but you must stay focused.”