91�ؿ�

91�ؿ� receives $110,000 gift to establish Goddard Legacy Scholarship

Lance Ferguson — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:31:58 +0000

91�ؿ� has received a $110,000 gift to establish the Deputy David Michael Goddard Legacy Scholarship, an endowed fund that will support students pursuing careers in law enforcement and criminal justice while honoring the life and service of a fallen Polk County deputy.

The scholarship, created by donor Charles “Chuck” Goddard, commemorates his father, Deputy David Michael Goddard, who was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 1989.

Through the endowed fund, one student each year will receive a scholarship designed to cover tuition, fees, and books, helping remove financial barriers to higher education and supporting the next generation of public safety professionals.

The announcement was made during the Polk State District Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, June 3, where Georgia Goddard and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd were also in attendance.

“This scholarship represents more than an investment in education,” said Steven S. Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the 91�ؿ�. “It is a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service exemplified by Deputy Goddard and so many others who have given their lives in service to their communities.”

Warner emphasized that the gift reflects the 91�ؿ�’s broader mission to expand access and student success.

“Our vision is clear, financial barriers will not determine who can pursue higher education in Polk County,” Warner said. “By removing those barriers, we empower students to reach their full potential and contribute to the economic vitality of our community.”

The investment also reinforces the College’s longstanding partnership with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the strength of its public safety programs. Polk State’s Law Enforcement and Corrections academies boast 100% licensure pass rates, and the College continues to expand its academic offerings to meet community needs.

The Criminal Justice Bachelor of Applied Science program recently introduced a , reflecting growing demand for specialized training in the field. In addition, Polk State and the Sheriff’s Office collaborate on the National Institute of Public Safety, which provides advanced, career-focused training for law enforcement professionals across the region.

Together, these programs ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce with the skills and credentials needed to serve and protect their communities, making the Goddard family’s investment both timely and impactful. The endowment is structured to generate approximately $3,300 annually, allowing the 91�ؿ� to provide sustained support to students.

“I'm sorry Chuck could not be here,” Georgia Goddard said. “He has actually been working on this project for the 91�ؿ� for many years .. but we are super excited to be able to share this with future students who need to have that extra help or financial burden lifted.”

Joanie Malone, Chief Financial Officer for the 91�ؿ�, led the effort to establish the scholarship in partnership with the Goddard family.

“I want to commend Joanie for the phenomenal work she did cultivating this partnership and bringing this meaningful gift forward,” Warner said. “Her leadership reflects the collaborative spirit that advances our mission.”

In a message shared on behalf of the family, Chuck Goddard expressed his hope that the scholarship will inspire and support future public servants.

“This scholarship is my tribute to my father and every law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice,” Goddard said. “I hope it provides a student pursuing a career in law enforcement with the support they need to achieve their goals.”

The Goddard 91�ؿ�, established by Goddard, supports families of fallen officers and provides scholarships and assistance for individuals pursuing careers in law enforcement.

“Great success … to [Steve] and Joanie for securing that endowment from the Goddards,” said Trustee Steve Lester, a Polk State Distinguished Alumnus and Chief of Staff for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

“I worked with David every day,” Lester said. “I knew him well. It was a very tragic loss as they all are, but he was a fine man and to see his family generations later continue his legacy is really awesome. Thank you all for that.”

The new scholarship aligns closely with the 91�ؿ�’s guiding principle of investing in student success and measuring impact through the achievements of its graduates.

“This is a powerful example of what philanthropy makes possible,” Warner said. “We are deeply grateful to the Goddard family for entrusting Polk State College with this legacy and for helping create opportunities that will benefit students for generations to come.”

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

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Scholarships available during June 2026 application period

Lance Ferguson — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:52:42 +0000

The 91�ؿ�’s June 1–15 scholarship application period for fall 2026 funding will open soon.

This is a secondary application window with limited scholarship availability, and students are strongly encouraged to prepare now and submit their application once the period opens on June 1. Applications will close June 15.

Students who were not selected during the primary February application period are encouraged to and strengthen their applications by updating key components, such as their essays, volunteer hours, academic information and extracurricular involvement.

Current students can to create or update their scholarship account. Additional information about available scholarships and instructions to complete the scholarship application process are available on the site.

Students seeking more information or assistance with completing the application can email foundation@polk.edu.

The 91�ؿ� awards approximately $1.2 million in scholarships annually.

Individuals interested in applying should ensure they are registered Polk State College students. Prospective students must submit a free, online application to Polk State. Students who have not taken courses for three consecutive semesters should reapply and be readmitted to the College as a returning student.

Scholarships received for the June application period can be used for the fall 2026, spring 2027 and summer 2027 semesters. Funding is based on remaining scholarship availability after the primary February cycle.

Scholarship funds awarded during this cycle will be available for use beginning in the Fall 2026 Semester and may be used until they are fully expended or expire after the Summer 2027 Semester.

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Distinguished Alum Debbie Harsh shares message of resilience at Polk State commencement

Lance Ferguson — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:33:02 +0000

“If you want to touch the future, touch a life.”

Returning to her alma mater as Polk State College’s April 2026 Distinguished Alumnus, Debbie Harsh stood before graduates not simply as a retired banking executive, but as someone who had lived the kind of life she now urged them to build.

Harsh’s story is, in many ways, a familiar one in Polk County. A local student, a working professional, a community volunteer.

“Today is more than a ceremony,” she told the Spring 2026 Class at Polk State’s 134th commencement. “It’s a hinge moment … when the door behind you closes and a dozen new ones swing open at once.”

Steven S. Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the 91�ؿ�, said Harsh was chosen to speak to the graduating class as a Distinguished Alumna because she embodies the spirit of Polk State College.

“Debbie’s story is a powerful example of leadership driven by service, integrity, and a deep commitment to community,” Warner said.

A Winter Haven native, Harsh’s journey began at Polk Community College, where she earned her associate degree while balancing work and family. That experience, she said, changed the trajectory of her life and launched a four-decade career in banking.

Harsh rose to senior executive roles, including Chief Culture Officer, helping shape leadership and workplace culture across a major financial institution. But her message was not centered on titles or promotions.

Instead, she spoke candidly about the challenges that shaped her long before her professional success, including growing up in a home marked by hardship.

“I was raised in a home where my father struggled with alcoholism,” she said. “My childhood was tough, and I faced many challenges and heartbreaks.”

But she said those experiences did not define her; her responses did.

“We allow our circumstances to make us bitter or better, and the difference between the two is ‘I,’” Harsh said, emphasizing the power of personal choice.

That philosophy has carried through every chapter of her life, guiding her from her banking career to her extensive civic leadership, including past presidencies of multiple chambers of commerce and years of service with organizations like United Way of Central Florida.

Harsh’s impact on the community has earned widespread recognition, including the Banker’s Cup honor as Winter Haven Citizen of the Year. But success is not simply measured by where you end up, rather how you choose to grow through whatever comes your way and how you use that growth to change the lives of others.

“So hear me when I say this,” she told graduates, pausing as the room settled into silence. “In the middle of the pain you didn’t cause… the change you didn’t want… or the reality you never saw coming… your life can still be beautiful.”

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Cynthia Price leaves legacy at Polk State

Lance Ferguson — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:09:53 +0000

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

The 91�ؿ� 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�ؿ�, presented the check during the Polk State College District Board of Trustees meeting.

“Cindy was a remarkable friend, advocate, and unwavering champion for Polk State College,” Warner told trustees. “Through her trust, the 91�ؿ� will now receive a transformative gift, an extraordinary expression of her deep love and passion for this institution and our students.

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

“Cindy believed deeply, with her whole heart, in the power of education and that education can change lives,” Warner said. “She 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.”

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�ؿ� Board Chair Bo Boyte, Price's husband Perry Price and daughter-in-law Bri Price

“Most people know about Cindy’s 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,” said Bonnie Parker, who helped administer the trust. “She wanted to make sure that others had the opportunity to do what she was able to do.”

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

“Cindy had such a love for Polk County,” Price’s husband, Perry Price, said. “She 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’s moments like these that remind us that her legacy lives on in every student who is blessed by her generosity.”

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

“This extraordinary gift reflects Cindy Price’s belief in Polk State College and in the promise of education,” Barnhart said. “Her generosity will continue to change lives and strengthen our community for generations to come.”

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

Warner said the 91�ؿ� hopes Price’s example will encourage others to consider how they can create an enduring impact through legacy giving.

“Because of Cindy, doors will open for students, dreams will take shape, and lives will change,” Warner said. “That is a legacy worth celebrating.”

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Scholarship surprise crowns Polk State student’s journey at A Night of Legacy

Lance Ferguson — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:22:40 +0000

What began as a story of perseverance and faith ended with an unexpected gift that brought an audience to its feet.

During 91�ؿ�’s annual A Night of Legacy, Respiratory Care student Teshara Johnson‑Bonilla returned to the stage believing she was finished speaking, only to learn she had been awarded a scholarship to continue her education.

“Your story has inspired all of us tonight,” said Dr. Steven S. Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the 91�ؿ�.

“On behalf of everyone on this stage, President Anne Kerr and Bo Boyte, the 91�ؿ� Board and Polk State College … we have created the Polk State College Legacy Award just for you, to cover all of your tuition, books and fees until you graduate from Polk State College.”

Earlier in the program, Beth Luckett, Polk State 91�ؿ� Board member and Dean of Health Sciences, introduced Johnson‑Bonilla as a reflection of what donor support makes possible.

“Your support ensures that students don’t have to choose between education and survival, between paying rent and staying enrolled,” Luckett told the audience. “Because of you, barriers become bridges.”

Those words resonated as Johnson‑Bonilla stepped to the stage and shared her journey. From losing her mother to cancer at the age of seven, to becoming a wife and mother, relocating to Florida during the COVID‑19 pandemic with a newborn and starting over with no support system.

“Through all of that chaos, I found Polk State and I found direction,,” Johnson‑Bonilla said. “It was here I discovered respiratory care, a field many people don’t always see, but one that is essential.”

Inspired by the medical teams who once cared for her parents, she found her calling.

“Respiratory therapists are there when people are fighting to breathe,” she said. “We are there during emergencies… and for those who need someone to advocate for them in their most vulnerable moments.”

Johnson‑Bonilla spoke candidly about a recent financial crisis that nearly forced her out of the program. Faced with thousands of dollars in unexpected costs, she had only days to figure out how she could continue in her program.

“I remember sitting in the lab, absolutely panicked,” she said. “Do I pay rent? Do I move my family? Do I give up now, after everything it took to get here?”

Then came an answer she did not expect. “My program director walked out of her office and said, ‘Teshara, stop writing the email. The 91�ؿ� is going to pay for your semester.’

“That gift didn’t just keep me in school,” Johnson‑Bonilla told the crowd through tears. “It protected my family, it kept my dream alive and it told me, ‘You are worthy. Don’t give up.’”

Her story is at the very heart of why A Night of Legacy exists. The 91�ؿ� meets students during their most vulnerable moments and ensures they have the resources to succeed.

“What Teshara talked about reminds all of us why we’re in this room and why we’re in higher education,” Warner said. “We can create opportunities for students like Teshara. This is why philanthropy matters. Philanthropy shows up when it’s least expected.”

For Johnson‑Bonilla, now a mother of two, that support means more than a degree.

“Everything I do, I do with them in mind,” she said. “I want them to see what resilience looks like … Tonight, I want you to know that your generosity does more than support programs. You carry students through moments when giving up feels like the only option.”

As Polk State College continues to expand access through initiatives like the new Haines City‑Davenport Campus, Warner said stories like Johnson‑Bonilla’s are reminders that investments in students ripple far beyond the classroom.

“Because of you,” Johnson‑Bonilla concluded, “I am still standing. Because of you, I am still learning.”

And because of continued donor support, many more students like her will get the chance to do the same.

To make a difference in the lives of students, visit and invest in the future of Polk County’s next leaders, healthcare heroes and more.

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Application Deadline Extended for 2026-2027 Scholarships

Lance Ferguson — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:23:34 +0000

The 91�ؿ� has extended the application period for scholarships for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. Originally set to close on February 28, the new deadline is now March 7.

The 91�ؿ� awards approximately $1.2 million in scholarships annually.

Students can visit to create or update their scholarship account. There, they can also find additional information about available scholarships and instructions for completing the scholarship application process.

It is important to note that individuals interested in applying should ensure they are registered Polk State students. Prospective students must to Polk State. Students who have not taken courses for three consecutive semesters should re-apply and be re-admitted to the College as a returning student.

Students seeking more information or assistance with completing the application can email foundation@polk.edu.

91�ؿ� scholarships will be available for use beginning in the fall semester of the 2025-2026 Academic Year and may be used in subsequent terms until they are fully expended, expired, or terminated pursuant to donor requirements.

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91�ؿ� launches new Future Eagle Award for Polk County high school seniors

Lance Ferguson — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:27:53 +0000

New Future Eagle Award Scholarship

The 91�ؿ� has introduced the Future Eagle Award, a transformative new scholarship that will cover a full year of tuition and books for one graduating senior from every public, private and charter high school in Polk County.

This initiative represents an estimated $70,000 annual investment in local students and removes financial barriers for those ready to take the next step toward higher education.

The Future Eagle Award recognizes students who demonstrate academic commitment, personal determination and financial need, ensuring that opportunity is not limited by circumstance.

“We want to eliminate barriers for students who have worked hard and shown resilience, but who still face obstacles on the path to college,” said Steve Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the 91�ؿ�.

“The Future Eagle Award reflects our mission to support students at every stage of their journey and ensure that the cost of education never stands in the way of potential,” he added.

Students may apply by visiting polk.academicworks.com to create or update their scholarship accounts. Applicants must also submit a free online application to Polk State College.

For assistance, students may email foundation@polk.edu.

91�ؿ� scholarships will be available beginning in the Fall 2026–2027 Academic Year.

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Distinguished Alumni gather for first‑ever Polk State celebration

Lance Ferguson — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:01:36 +0000

In an evening more than four decades in the making, the 91�ؿ� brought together generations of its Distinguished Alumni for the first time at a special dinner held inside Winter Haven Fine Arts (WFA).

The event, hosted by the 91�ؿ� and the Alumni Association, marked a historic moment for Polk State College by honoring the leaders, innovators and changemakers whose careers have shaped Polk County and beyond.

Chris Nelson, Alumni Association President and 2015 Distinguished Alumnus, said he was excited to finally reconvene the now 85 Polk State graduates who have been given this award over the past 40 years.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was created to honor alumni of Polk State College who have contributed greatly to the school and the community. Each semester, the Polk State Alumni Association names one outstanding alum as its Distinguished Alumni, chosen not for a single achievement, but for a lifetime of excellence, leadership and impact.

“This room is filled with the very best of what Polk State has to offer,” Nelson said.

Among them were Jerry Hill, the College’s first Distinguished Alumnus in 1983. Hill served at State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit for 32 years before his retirement in 2017. Larry Williams, the most recent honoree, was also in attendance. Celebrated for his decades of service in law enforcement, Williams is now the President and CEO of Peace River Center.

“Although both of these men were recognized 40 years apart, and like the other 83 in between them, they both exemplify the high standards and ideals of Polk State College Distinguished Alumni,” Nelson said.

Following dinner, 91�ؿ� Board Chair and 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Bo Boyte delivered an update on the 91�ؿ�’s strategic initiatives. He highlighted the Board’s work with consultants at CARTER to shape a new three‑year plan focused on expanding philanthropy and strengthening student success.

A major emphasis for the 91�ؿ� is the ongoing capital campaign supporting the College’s future Haines City–Davenport Campus, a project that will expand access for thousands of students in Northeast Polk County.

“It is times like these we need our Distinguished alumni to think back on the positive impact this college has had on us and help support these future plans to give our students the best opportunity to succeed,” Boyte said.

Criminal Justice student ShiAnn Griffin shared with guests what her experience at Polk State has been like as a current student. Following her remarks, Steve Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the 91�ؿ�, took the stage to award her with the Polk State College Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship.

Polk State President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti spoke to the significance of the Distinguished Alumni network, calling the group some of the strongest leaders in Polk County and beyond.

She emphasized that alumni achievements not only elevate the College’s visibility but also reinforce its vital role in the region’s workforce and economic development. With the College preparing to expand to a seventh campus, Falconetti said that alumni engagement has never been more important.

As the evening closed, guests lingered, reconnected, traded stories and reflected on careers that began on Polk State campuses decades ago.

If you are Polk State alumni and want to stay up to date on the latest news from the 91�ؿ� and Alumni Association, click here.

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Apply for Polk State 91�ؿ� scholarships February 1 – 28

Lance Ferguson — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:23:44 +0000

The 91�ؿ�’s application for scholarships for the 2026-2027 Academic Year is now open through February 28.

The 91�ؿ� awards approximately $1.2 million in scholarships annually.

Students can visit to create or update their scholarship account. Additional information about available scholarships and instructions to complete the scholarship application process will be posted on the site once the application opens.

It is important to note that individuals who are interested in applying should ensure that they are registered Polk State students. Prospective students must to Polk State. Students who have not taken courses for three consecutive semesters should re-apply and be re-admitted to the College as a returning student.

Students seeking more information or assistance with completing the application can email foundation@polk.edu.

91�ؿ� scholarships will be available for use beginning in the fall semester of the 2026-2027 Academic Year and may be used in subsequent terms until they are fully expended, expired, or terminated pursuant to donor requirements.

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Polk State student and mother of two awarded Alumni Association scholarship

Lance Ferguson — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 21:58:13 +0000

Criminal Justice student ShiAnn Griffin stood before a crowd of alumni at the 91�ؿ�’s inaugural Distinguished Alumni Dinner on Thursday evening to share her story, defined by resilience, rediscovery and a growing commitment to serving her community.

Griffin, a mother of two, began her time at Polk State pursuing an Associate in Science in Digital Media Technology with a specialization in Graphic Design. It was a dream of hers since high school. But, as she recalled with a smile, “graphics from 10 years ago are not what they are today.” Realizing the field had changed, she shifted her focus and successfully completed her Associate of Arts (AA) degree in May 2025.

It was during her AA coursework that Griffin found unexpected direction. Her favorite professor, Carol Martinson, introduced her to community-based learning, a class project that soon became a passion. Through volunteering with organizations like No Limits and spending time with elderly residents at Lakeland Presbyterian Apartments, Griffin discovered the impact of compassion, consistency and community support.

“It also showed me how easily some individuals can be overlooked when those systems fail,” she said. “Seeing those gaps up close made me someone who wants to be part of a solution.”

That desire to help others resurfaced last summer when Griffin found an old high school portfolio containing a newsletter she had once designed announcing her dream major: Criminal Justice. She enrolled in Introduction to Criminology to “just to try it out.” She now says that decision changed everything.

“I was hooked,” Griffin said. “The same desire to serve and protect that guided my community work was the same thing drawing me toward Criminal Justice.”

Griffin is on track to complete her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in May 2027 and aspires to join the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy before pursuing detective work in Special Victims Unit investigations. Long‑term, she hopes to serve as a private investigator for the United States Selective Service.

“Sometimes life leads you toward places you can be unsure of,” she said, “but listen to yourself, follow your heart and you will end up right where you are supposed to be.”

Following her remarks, Steve Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the 91�ؿ�, took the stage to make a surprise announcement.

“Thank you for sharing your story tonight,” Warner told Griffin, noting the room was filled with alumni who have dedicated themselves to serving their community. “We want to show our appreciation for a future alumna who has already chosen community service. It is my honor to present you with the Polk State College Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship to cover all your courses and books this semester.”

“I am completely blown away and grateful beyond words for this scholarship,” Griffin said.

Scholarships like the Polk State College Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship are possible thanks to donor support. Visit foundation.polk.edu/donate to increase access to quality higher education for students like Griffin.

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