Siblings Studying At Polk State Lakeland Collegiate Named to All-Florida Academic Team

Alex (L) and Monica Manjarres have been nominated to the All-Florida Academic Team.

Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School students Alexander and Monica Manjarres have been nominated to the 2013 All-Florida Academic Team.

Each year, an All-Florida Academic Team is named to recognize outstanding students in the Florida College System. Students are selected based on their academic achievement, leadership and community service.

Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School Director Sallie Brisbane said this is the first time the school has had two siblings named to the All-Florida Academic Team during her six-year tenure.

The Florida College System encompasses the state’s 28 public colleges. Each year, 121 students from across the system are selected for the All-Florida Academic Team.

Selected students were first nominated by their respective colleges for the All-USA Academic Team competition sponsored by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the international honor society of two-year colleges.

Both Alex and Monica have assembled impressive academic records.

Alex, who began at Polk State Lakeland Collegiate when he was 13, becoming the youngest student ever served by the College, is on track to graduate with both his diploma and Associate in Arts degree this May, at just 15 years old. He has already received scholarships to study at Florida Southern College, University of Central Florida and University of South Florida. He is interested in further studies in Computer Science and Mathematics.

Monica, 16, is also on track to graduate with her diploma and Associate in Arts degree this summer. She has received scholarships to attend Florida Southern College, University of Central Florida, University of Florida and University of South Florida. She is interested in studying English and pursuing a career as a writer.

Alex and Monica, and their fellow All-Academic Team members, will be recognized at an awards ceremony on April 9 at Daytona State College. Prior to the ceremony, Division of Florida Colleges Chancellor Randy Hanna will host a business leadership roundtable where business and community leaders will speak with students about leadership, entrepreneurship and professional growth. There will also be a college fair where students can gain information about scholarship opportunities.