
Building Students Up and Stressing Backup Plans: Meet Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate Assistant Principal Keith Bonney

Growing up, Keith Bonney dreamed of becoming a football player. Turns out, he has scored plenty of “touchdowns” in his career — but they’ve been in the field of education instead of on a football…

Father of Bullying Victim Implores Polk State Students to Be “Upstanders” and Remember “They Are Loved Beyond Belief”

Despite more than 300 high school students being gathered in one room last week, there was no giggling or gossiping or huddling around cell phone screens. There were also hardly any dry eyes. On Friday,…

Polk State’s Halverson Participates in Public Health Leadership Seminar in Washington, D.C.

Polk State Professor Suzanne Ramjattan Halverson recently attended the Public Health Leadership Seminar (PHLS) in Washington, D.C., presented by HOSA-Future Health Professionals, formerly referred to as Health Occupations Students of America. The U.S. Department…

Polk’s Top Grads: Gateway Salutatorian Found Academic Footing and “Gained Confidence”

In two years’ time, Claudia Oppelt went from struggling student to salutatorian of Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School. Oppelt, a resident of Lakeland, graduated June 6 as the second-highest student in…

Polk’s Top Grads: Gateway Valedictorian “Has the Tools” to Study at University Level

After her experience at Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College, valedictorian Abisola Adeyemo is prepared — and excited — to continue her education. Adeyemo, a resident of Lakeland, graduated June 6, at the top of…

Polk’s Top Grads: At Polk State Lakeland Collegiate, Salutatorian Earned AA Degree, Gained Leadership Experience

At just 16 years old, Taylor Boyd is the 2016 Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School salutatorian, a college graduate, and an experienced leader. So what will she do next? Attend Rollins College and become…

Polk’s Top Grads: Polk State Lakeland Collegiate Valedictorian Undecided About Major, But Confident in Her Preparation

Like a lot of students, Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School’s 2016 valedictorian, Addison Gokee, isn’t sure what she wants to study at the university level – but she is sure her collegiate experience…

Polk’s Top Grads: Polk State Chain of Lakes Salutatorian to Study Biology

If all goes according to plan for Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School’s 2016 salutatorian, she’ll soon be known as Dr. Whiting. Whiting, a resident of Winter Haven, graduated June 3, with her class’s…

Polk State’s Top Grads: Inspired by Robotics Project, Chain of Lakes Valedictorian to Study Engineering

Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School’s 2016 valedictorian Rene Respicio is headed to the University of Florida, where, inspired by her experiences at Polk, she will study biomedical engineering. “Coming to (Polk…

Polk State’s High Schools Celebrate Classes of 2016

It’s graduation time at Polk State College’s three collegiate high schools. Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School held its commencement ceremony on the evening of Friday, June 3. The ceremony featured remarks by…