Polk State to Host Josh Giles MLK Invitational; Begins Friday
Brandon Giles has discovered the power of his father’s name and its reach. The 24-year-old son of the former Polk State College men’s basketball coach found the impact of his father’s involvement with young men…
Polk Pianist Gets “Second Chance,” Pursues Dream at USF
Christy Sallee didn’t take a direct route or follow a conventional timetable in studying music at the university level. But she got there nonetheless, and Polk State helped her along the way. Sallee is Polk…
Polk State Alumnus Named Head of Walt Disney World Resort
Polk State College alumnus George Kalogridis has been named president of Walt Disney World Resort, 42 years after he was hired as a busboy for the then-fledgling amusement park. His ascent to the highest ranks…
For Alison Watson, a Long, Hard Road Finally Leads to Graduation
To most of us, Alison Watson’s graduation story would be impressive just for the fact that she earned her degree while raising three children and running her own business. Imagine the daily logistics, the constant…
For Sonni Blake, Graduation a Tribute to Her Dad
For Sonni Rojuana Blake, the most important person at Polk State College’s recent commencement ceremony wasn’t in the rows of graduates or audience members. He was in her heart. Just like always. Blake graduated with…
Littleton Tells Graduates to Follow Passions, Dreams
During his commencement address on Thursday afternoon, Polk State alumnus and local bank president Greg Littleton encouraged the College’s newest graduates to pursue their life’s passions and to never stop dreaming. Littleton, a 1987 Polk…
Graduating Parents Choose the Stands Over the Stage to Watch Daughter March
As students, Stephanie and Robert Gerber have earned their march at Polk State College’s upcoming commencement ceremony. As parents, however, there’s nowhere they would rather be than in the stands, watching their daughter receive her…
Polk State’s 107th Commencement Ceremony is Dec. 13; Gregory Littleton to Be Honored
Polk State College’s 107th Commencement will be Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at the Health Center, on the campus of Polk State Winter Haven, 999 Ave. H N.E. Approximately 1,063 students qualify to march during…
Lakeland Citizens’ Police Academy Donates $11,250 to Polk State Foundation
The Lakeland Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association has donated $11,250 to benefit scholarships for aspiring law enforcement professionals studying at Polk State College’s Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety. The Polk State College Foundation…
Polk State Well-Represented at Golden Garlands
This week’s Golden Garlands were presented by The Ledger, but they sure had a distinct Polk State flavor. Among the recipients of the Golden Garlands, intended to recognize outstanding adults from sectors such as entrepreneurship…