A gift of education is the gift that keeps on giving | Guest column
During this season of gratitude, we hope that you will join us in reflecting upon education as a gift.
Polk State College and our students benefit from the benevolence of business leaders and community members who graciously donate to the Polk State Foundation and volunteers who give their time to ensuring a Polk State education is as rich as possible. Additionally, Polk State alumni continue to pay it forward in the community and beyond.
Steve Lester, chief of staff for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, received his associate of science in 1982 followed by his associate in arts in 1983. Throughout his more than 30-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, he has provided safety and protection for this community. Steve, we thank you for keeping Polk County safe.
John Margaritondo received his bachelor's in aerospace sciences with a concentration in pilot sciences in 2018 and flew one of the largest and most complex aircraft for Amazon through Southern Airways, steadily and dependably meeting growing consumer needs. Today he is flying 747s for Atlas Air, which also contracts with Amazon. Thank you, John, for pioneering a path for future aviation students.
Steve Crisman, chief financial officer for Six/Ten LLC, received his associate degree in 1989. He and the Six/Ten team see a vision and future for a community where others see dirt. They are working to foster growth, repurpose buildings, create urban spaces and further Polk County as a Central Florida destination. Thank you, Steve, for believing in growth for our community.
T. Michael Stavres, city manager for Winter Haven, earned his associate degree in 1990. Today, he leads the city we call home and continues to give back to his alma mater with previous service to the Polk State Foundation board. We applaud you, T. Michael, for your voice, which keeps Winter Haven in the spotlight and your talented vocal performances.
Tekorian “TK” Smith, a former Polk State basketball standout and the program’s all-time leading scorer, returned to Winter Haven this summer to provide private lessons and mentorship to local youth. Following a stellar career that culminated in two All-FCSAA selections and an associate degree from Polk State in 2020, Smith has since earned his bachelor’s degree from Troy University. In August, he signed with the Itzehoe Eagles in Germany, where he has since begun his professional basketball career. Soar, TK.
Polk State’s District Board of Trustees is also comprised of outstanding alumni, including Teresa V. Martinez, president and founder of the Institute for Spanish Communications Inc., who serves as an advocate and leader for the Hispanic community; Cindy Hartley Ross, a community advocate who invested 15 years volunteering and substitute teaching for Polk County Public Schools; and Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, whom we not only trust with the funds we have worked so hard for, but that we are also grateful to for supporting community causes through numerous sponsorships and volunteer efforts.
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Thank you to all our alumni as well as the donors and supporters who have helped to make education possible for many. The aforementioned Polk State graduates illustrate a snapshot of our college’s successes due in large part to your support and generosity.
If you are a proud Polk State alum, we encourage you to connect with the Polk State Alumni Association and share your successes with your Polk State family. Additionally, a gift to the Polk State Foundation stretches far beyond the impact on the individual student it supports – your gifts create and empower the givers for our Polk County community. For that, we are grateful.
Angela Garcia Falconetti is president of Polk State College, and Nikki Smith is president of the Polk State Alumni Association
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Donate to Polk State College and make the future brighter
