Polk State College names Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as its Sixth President
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 — The Polk State College District Board of Trustees named Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the institution’s sixth president on Wednesday with a 5-0 vote. Kamoutsas, currently Florida’s Commissioner of Education, will join Polk State on July 6, following Dr. Anne Kerr’s completion of service as interim president in June. “We are confident in Mr. Kamoutsas’s leadership, experience and vision to move our College forward,” Board Chair Ann Barnhart said. “We look forward to the
A Transformational Year for Take Stock in Children Polk County: Expanded Scholarships, Milestones, and Unprecedented Student Success
May 27, 2026 The 2025–2026 school year was momentous for Take Stock in Children Polk County, a Polk Education Foundation program, marked by a 100 percent graduation rate, major scholarship announcements for seniors, and the Scholarship Scramble surpassing $1 million raised in its 23-year history. With 129 students supported through nearly 1,000 hours of mentoring and a wide range of enrichment and community-driven opportunities, the program advanced its mission in meaningful ways. Last year began with a
Open enrollment for the Fall 2026 Semester has started at Polk State College
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — Open enrollment for the Fall 2026 Semester has started. Classes will begin on August 10.Currently enrolled Polk State students can register for classes in the Polk Portal. Prospective students should submit a free online application to the College by clicking here. Dual enrollment students should work with their high school advisors and email deregistration@polk.edu if they need assistance. Help with admission, advising, registration, and financial aid is available on campus and by
The Warrior Wire- Summer 2026
Webber International University Concludes 99th Academic Year with Commencement Ceremony Babson Park, FL (May 2, 2026) — Webber International University marked its 99th Commencement Ceremony on May 1 in the Sabbagh Athletic Center on the University’s campus.Mr. Royce Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of AdventHealth Lake Wales, graciously accepted the invitation to serve as Webber’s 99th Commencement Speaker. Mr. Brown delivered a moving address highlighting the many opportunities now
United Way of Central Florida Celebrates Community Impact, Honors Local Leaders at 2026 Annual Celebration
United Way of Central Florida Celebrates Community Impact, Honors Local Leaders at 2026 Annual Celebration United Way of Central Florida welcomed more than 275 community leaders, partners, and supporters to its 2026 Annual Celebration on May 14 at Bonnet Springs Park, highlighting a year of measurable impact across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties while honoring local leaders whose service continues to strengthen Central Florida.Centered on the theme “Moving the Needle,” the
Polk Education Foundation Awarded $80,000 from the Mabel Schaefer Legacy Grant through GiveWell Community Foundation to Expand AmeriCorps Polk Reads Literacy Initiative
Polk Education Foundation has been awarded an $80,000 grant from GiveWell Community Foundation in honor of Mabel Schaefer’s legacy. This investment will allow the Polk Education Foundation AmeriCorps Polk Reads program to pilot Building Blocks Literacy: an expansion beyond its traditional Polk County Public Schools kindergarten through 3rd-grade focus that will begin serving 4th - and 5th -grade students over the next two years. This pilot will help determine how well upper-elementary students
SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION INVESTS $50,000 IN POLK EDUCATION FOUNDATION TO BENEFIT POLK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENT SUCCESS
The Polk Education Foundation received a generous $50,000 investment from Suncoast Credit Union, strengthening multiple programs and initiatives that directly support students, teachers, and schools across Polk County. Suncoast Credit Union awarded a major gift of $25,000 to purchase much-needed school supplies for the Free Teacher Market, helping Erase the Need for students and classrooms. Teachers shop the resource store at no cost and fill an orange Suncoast Credit Union tote with supplies that
CareerSource Polk Launches 2026 Annual Meeting with Interactive Theme and Community Fundraiser
POLK COUNTY, FL. (April 20, 2026) – CareerSource Polk announces that registration is now open for its Annual Meeting and Best Places to Work Awards Breakfast, taking place Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 8:00 am at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. FL. This year’s event marks a major milestone as CareerSource Polk celebrates 30 years of workforce development and support in Polk County. The 2026 Annual Meeting and Best Places to Work Awards Breakfast will bring together business leaders, community
