Polk State Alumnus: “None of This Would Have Happened for Me Without Polk State”
Fabian De La Fe is a native of Cuba, who spent the last two years living in Gainesville and who will soon reside in New York, but in many ways, Polk State College will always…
Polk State Chain of Lakes Graduate Returns to Campus to Warn Current Students About Dangers of Drunken Driving
Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School graduate Garrett Putnam, whose life changed forever when a drunken driver slammed into his car in 2013, recently visited campus to share words of caution — and inspiration…
Florida Teacher of Year Christie Bassett “Very Thankful” for Polk State College
As Florida’s 2015 Teacher of the Year, Christie Bassett is often asked about her own educational background, and each time the question is posed, she proudly shares her status as a Polk State alumna. “I’m…
From Polk State to Harvard? Recent Grad Proves It Is Possible
A recent Polk State grad will continue his college education at Harvard University. Josh Burgin, who graduated with his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degree in December, has been accepted to Harvard’s…
For Polk Respiratory Care Alumna, A Cough Inspired a New Career
Terri Dixon remembers the exact moment — or rather, the exact cough — that changed the course of her whole life. She was working as a phlebotomist, performing another routine blood draw, when a patient suddenly started…
Polk Radiography Alumnus: “If You’re Afraid to Go to School, Don’t Shortchange Yourself. You Can Do It.”
Rosevelt Nheik enrolled at Polk State College figuring he had nothing to lose. As it turned out, he gained more than he could ever have imagined. “I just really wanted to do more, to be…
He’s Never in the Spotlight, James Sharp Has Played Important Role at Fine Arts Theatre for 27 Years
In the world of theatre, it’s the actors and directors who get their names illuminated on the marquee, who get to bask in the spotlight at the end of each show. Always in the shadows…
Polk State-Trained Paramedic: “The Patient Always Comes First”
Gov. Rick Scott has declared Jan. 5-9 First Responder Appreciation Week. Polk State College commends and thanks all those working in the public safety field. Here, News@Polk highlights Jared vanHoek, a firefighter/paramedic with Polk County…
Visual Arts Alumnus: “Polk State Was a Beginning, and Without It, I Wouldn’t Be Where I am Today”
In the 50-year history of Polk State College, there are thousands of stories of alumni who have achieved success in the health sciences or public safety or business. More rare are stories like that of Sam Romero,…
Polk PTA Alumnus Jorge Espinosa: Restoring Functionality and Hope
While studying at Polk State College, Jorge Espinosa learned all the textbook knowledge for his new career as a physical therapist assistant, but more importantly, he learned when to put his textbooks aside. “I remember…