Polk State SALO wins APCA Regional Organization of the Year

For the 2024-25 Academic Year, Polk State College’s Student Activities and Leadership Organization (SALO) is celebrating its 16th year of existence. Earlier this month, SALO’s “sweet 16” got a little sweeter.

SALO was recognized as the 2024 Southeastern Region Organization of the Year by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). SALO Director Melvin Thompson and Program Coordinator Blessen Jacob made the trip to Dallas to accept the award.

“Winning an award that recognizes our department is always a proud moment, but this year, it feels especially meaningful as we celebrate 16 wonderful years,” Jacob said. “We’ve had many events lined up for this sweet 16 year. Through all the challenges, we’re clearly doing something right.”

Awards are nothing new for SALO. Earlier this year, Jacob was honored with the Bob Graham Distinguished Service Award.

“SALO has an outstanding team, led by the exceptional guidance of our director Melvin Thompson,” Jacob added. “His leadership and support have enabled us to accomplish so much for our students. This award is not only for our current SALO students and staff, but for every individual who has worked, volunteered, or contributed to this office over the past 16 amazing years.”

SALO offers and oversees a variety of clubs, activities, and on-campus events on both the Winter Haven and Lakeland campuses. Student attendance for SALO events reached nearly 14,000 for the 2023-24 Academic Year.

“As long as students are happy, engaged, and feel like they’re part of a greater community, that’s all that really matters to me,” Thompson said. “Any recognition or organizational awards we earn along the way is just icing on the cake.”