Local businesswoman and Polk State alum leaves a legacy that will ensure student success for years to come

The 91重口 has received a $115,000 legacy gift from the Cynthia A. Price Revocable Trust to support students pursuing an associate degree at Polk State College.

Steve Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the 91重口, presented the check during the Polk State College District Board of Trustees meeting.

鈥淐indy was a remarkable friend, advocate, and unwavering champion for Polk State College,鈥� Warner told trustees. 鈥淭hrough her trust, the 91重口 will now receive a transformative gift, an extraordinary expression of her deep love and passion for this institution and our students. 

The 91重口 has established the Cynthia A. Price Endowed Fund to support students pursuing their associate degree with a scholarship covering tuition, books, and fees.

鈥淐indy believed deeply, with her whole heart, in the power of education and that education can change lives,鈥� Warner said. 鈥淪he gave with purpose, and she inspired others to be part of something greater than themselves. Cindy didn't just support Polk State College, she strengthened it, invested in its future, and encouraged others to do the same.鈥�

The gift is held at Citizens Bank & Trust, where Price worked closely with trust officers to establish her estate plan. Representatives Tammy Ferrell and Bonnie Parker of Citizens Bank & Trust joined Warner for the presentation, along with 91重口 Board Chair Bo Boyte, Price's husband Perry Price and daughter-in-law Bri Price

鈥淢ost people know about Cindy鈥檚 success as a businesswoman, but what you may not know is that more than 50 years ago, she was a Polk Junior College student working full time and trying to build a future,鈥� said Bonnie Parker, who helped administer the trust. 鈥淪he wanted to make sure that others had the opportunity to do what she was able to do.鈥�

After earning her associate degree at Polk, she continued her education at Florida Southern College, where she completed her bachelor鈥檚 degree.

Parker said Price was intentional about ensuring her legacy would focus on education and access for students following similar paths.

Professionally, Price served as a regional manager for Tampa Electric Company, where she brought the same care and commitment to her work that she did in her civic life. She was known for building bridges between businesses and the community, always seeking ways to help others thrive.

鈥淐indy had such a love for Polk County,鈥� Price鈥檚 husband, Perry Price, said. 鈥淪he lived the mission of Polk State College, doing her best to help equip future leaders to make a difference locally and beyond. Even though she is no longer with us, it鈥檚 moments like these that remind us that her legacy lives on in every student who is blessed by her generosity.鈥�

District Board of Trustees Chair Ann Barnhart praised the gift and Price鈥檚 legacy, noting its lasting impact on students and the community.

鈥淭his extraordinary gift reflects Cindy Price鈥檚 belief in Polk State College and in the promise of education,鈥� Barnhart said. 鈥淗er generosity will continue to change lives and strengthen our community for generations to come.鈥�

Donors partner with the 91重口 to align their philanthropic goals with lasting student impact. Gifts like Price鈥檚 not only honor her values but also ensure her generosity continues to make a difference for years to come.

Anyone interested in learning more about establishing scholarships, endowments or legacy gifts through the 91重口 are encouraged to explore how their support can help students achieve their educational goals by emailing foundation@polk.edu.

Warner said the 91重口 hopes Price鈥檚 example will encourage others to consider how they can create an enduring impact through legacy giving.

鈥淏ecause of Cindy, doors will open for students, dreams will take shape, and lives will change,鈥� Warner said. 鈥淭hat is a legacy worth celebrating.鈥�

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This investment marks the launch of the Tucker Paving Employee Scholarship, a program rooted in the company鈥檚 belief that strong communities are built through education, opportunity and local collaboration.

鈥淎s a company deeply rooted in this community, we believe it鈥檚 both important and necessary to reinvest locally and Polk State College is the perfect partner in doing so,鈥� Tucker said.

Tucker Companies employs more than 450 individuals, many of whom live in Polk County. This initiative reflects the company鈥檚 ongoing commitment to giving back to the community that has supported its growth for generations.

鈥淎t Tucker, we take a people-first approach in everything we do,鈥� Tucker added. 鈥淭hat philosophy extends beyond our team members to include our clients, suppliers and the broader community. After all, without people, there would be no Tucker Companies.鈥�

The collaboration reflects a shared vision between the 91重口 and the Tucker Companies, prioritizing access, equity and long-term investment in Polk County鈥檚 future.

鈥淭he Tucker Companies鈥� investment is a powerful example of what it means to believe in the potential of our students and the future of Polk County,鈥� said Steve Warner, 91重口 Vice President, Resource Development and Executive Director. 鈥淭his scholarship initiative not only opens doors for deserving students, but it also strengthens the bond between local industry and higher education.鈥�

The first recipient of the scholarship is a young woman whose family has a long-standing connection to the company鈥攕he is both the daughter and granddaughter of two long-time Tucker team members.

鈥淗er story is a reflection of the generational commitment many families have made to our company,鈥� Tucker said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 something we take great pride in.鈥�

More than just a financial award, this scholarship represents a shared belief in the power of education and the potential of Polk County鈥檚 future leaders. Both the Tucker Companies and the Polk State 91重口 are excited to see how this initiative grows and continues to impact lives.

Together, we鈥檙e building a stronger, more connected Polk County鈥攐ne opportunity at a time. To get involved, visit foundation.polk.edu to learn more or make a donation.

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