Polk State launches Presidential Ambassador Program with a dozen talented students

Polk State College officially welcomed its inaugural Presidential Ambassador cohort on June 19, 2026, during a special Red Blazer Ceremony hosted by Interim President Dr. Anne Kerr and incoming President Anastasios ‘Stasi’ Kamoutsas.

The Presidential Ambassador Program recognizes outstanding students who will serve as official representatives of the College at presidential events, District Board of Trustees meetings, donor engagements, community functions and other signature activities.

Prior to assuming their duties, ambassadors complete the Presidential Leadership Academy, which provides training in servant leadership, professional communication, civic engagement and event protocol.

The ceremony celebrated the newly inducted ambassadors with a luncheon and official presentation of signature red blazers and lapel pins.

“Today, you accept a responsibility that extends beyond yourselves,” Kerr charged the ambassadors. “You become representatives of Polk State College and stewards of its mission, values and reputation. Through your leadership, service, professionalism and integrity, you will help strengthen the connection between our College and the communities we serve.”

The ambassadors then recited the Presidential Ambassador Pledge together before receiving their red blazers. The inaugural cohort was selected from more than 30 students nominated by faculty, staff and administrators.

The ambassadors range in age from 17 to 56, with an average grade-point average of 3.7. They come from Polk State’s collegiate high schools, workforce education programs and associate and bachelor’s degree programs including Aerospace, Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Education, STEM and Political Science. The 2026–2027 Presidential Ambassadors are:

• Kelly Acosta is an Associate in Arts student who has earned numerous scholarships while maintaining academic honors. She previously led her high school’s marching band color guard as team captain and currently serves as a mathematics tutor. She plans to join the Peace Corps.
• Celine Alexis Alderman is an Associate in Arts student who plans to study Art History and Museum Studies, and aspires to become a textile historian, museum curator and professor. She holds a 4.0 grade-point average and is a member of the Polk State Global Studies Program.
• Alana Coombs is a Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School student who is President of her senior class, Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook and Chair of Marketing for Student United Way. She is a Polk State Honors Program student on track to graduating Summa Cum Laude. She plans to study Political Science and Criminology.
• Dennis Fetty is a Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School student and member of both the Honors Program and Global Studies Program. He serves as President of the National Honor Society and is active in the College’s civic literacy initiatives. He plans to pursue Political Science and a career in public service.
• Catherine Derival is pursuing the Associate in Science in Computer Systems and Business Analysis degree and maintains a 3.8 grade-point average. She has earned numerous academic honors and scholarships, including recognition as a Coca-Cola Gold Scholar and nomination to Phi Theta Kappa’s All-Academic Team. She aspires to a career in educational technology and instructional design.
• Shaneeza Mohamed is pursuing the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management. She achieved her Polk State Associate in Arts degree as Summa Cum Laude and has a grade-point average of 3.933. She is Immediate Past President and incoming Treasurer of Polk State’s SHRM Student Chapter.
• Diana Mariela Nunez is pursuing the Associate in Science in Nursing and is a member of the Honors Program. She is also President of the American Sign Language Honor Society and Vice President of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Advocate Coalition. She aspires to become a Nurse Practitioner.
• Christopher Jean Pierre is pursuing the Associate in Arts degree and plans to continue his education in Accounting at Florida A&M University, aspiring to become a Certified Public Accountant. He graduated from Davenport High School at the age of 16 with high honors and is the recipient of the Boswell & Dunlap Scholarship. He is also actively involved in the Black Student Union.
• Fabiana Veluntini Reyes is a dual enrollment student pursuing the Associate in Arts degree in high school. She is ranked among the top 10% of her graduating class, has earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and is the recipient of the Excellence in Mathematics Award. She serves as President of Hopeful Hearts Club and Vice President of Service for Phi Theta Kappa.
• Liza Reyes is an Associate in Arts student who plans to study Mathematics and Biology and aspires to become a professor and researcher. She serves as President of the Polk State STEM Club, is Founder and President of the Fashion Club and is Treasurer of the SISTERS Club. She is also a work-study student with the Student Activities and Leadership Office 9SALO). She was named to the 2025-2026 FCSAA All-Academic Team for Student Government.
• Da’Nyra Richardson holds an Associate in Science in Aerospace Administration and a certificate in Airline Management. She is President of the Safety and Leadership Club and a recipient of the prestigious James C. Ray Scholarship. She plans to commission as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Armed Forces and ultimately aspires to a career with the National Transportation Safety Board.
• Joshua Rovello is an Associate in Arts student planning to transfer to the University of Central Florida to study Criminal Justice. He plans to pursue a career in law enforcement and aspires to advance into a leadership role to serve his community and mentor future officers. He currently serves as Secretary of the Winter Haven Campus Student Government Association.

The Presidential Ambassador Program is the highest student leadership honor at Polk State College. Members will play a key role in advancing the College’s mission while gaining valuable professional experience during the 2026–2027 Academic Year.