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  • Alarming Increase in School Threats an Alert For Parents Who Could Face Consequences

    Robert Connors|Updated Sep 19, 2024

    Polk County Schools are undergoing a crisis as the system reports receiving an overwhelming wave of threats against schools and individuals in the first four weeks of the new school year. The school system reported that in 28 days they have conducted 140 threat assessments. Twenty-four individuals were arrested on second-degree felony charges for written threats to kill, a rate of nearly one per day of school. Polk School Superintendent Polk County School Superintendent Fred...

  • Costanzo Family Creates Scholarship Fund at Webber University

    Special to the News|Updated Sep 18, 2024

    Jessica Costanzo, an alumna and former Webber University volleyball player whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2014, has been honored by the naming of the school's volleyball court in her honor, as well as the creation of the Jessica Costanzo Scholarship Fund. The new scholarship fund will provide scholarships for graduating seniors from Venice (FL) High School, where Costanza graduated. A volleyball match on September 11 was preceded by a small reception...

  • Special Needs Students Reportedly Kicked Out, Animals Evicted From Ag Program at Local School

    Robert Connors|Updated Sep 13, 2024

    UPDATE: The Media Relations Department of the Polk County School System has released a letter from McLaughlin Principal Diameshia H. Williams addressing a decision by "the administration" to remove the Exceptional Student Education Farm from the school campus. The entire text of the letter is reprinted below. A valued program that allows special needs students to participate with others in an agricultural program at a Lake Wales school is reportedly being terminated, to the...

  • Lake Wales Teachers Offered "Grants for Great Ideas"

    News Staff Reports|Updated Aug 20, 2024

    Teachers and other school-based professionals that work directly with students at a Lake Wales Charter School or Polk County Public School in Lake Wales are eligible to receive one of ten $250 grants that will be awarded by the Lake Wales Junior Woman's Club. Grants for Great Ideas is a competitive grant, and applications have been sent to all eligible school principals and assistant principals for the first grant cycle of this school year. A volunteer committee of key communi...

  • Respect Laws, Stop for School Buses or Pay the Steep Fines as Schools Reopen

    Robert Connors|Updated Aug 6, 2024

    The serious and too-often deadly violation of passing a stopped school bus is receiving an appropriately-serious response in Polk County, and drivers should be alert and aware. To combat the recurring problem, all Polk County school buses are being equipped with cameras to identify drivers passing buses when the stop-arm is activated. According to the Florida Association of School Administrators, a survey revealed that "98,065 school bus drivers reported that 66,322 vehicles...

  • Charter Schools System Reaches Settlement With Former Superintendent, Avoids Lawsuit

    Robert Connnors|Updated Jul 28, 2024

    Avoiding the likelihood of an expensive lawsuit, the trustees of the Lake Wales Charter School have accepted a settlement of issues connected to their abrupt June 7 termination of the system's former superintendent. Dr. Wayne V. Rodolfich had served just under two years at the head of the seven-school system when he was cited for one or more "grievances" filed by employees. Details of the accusations have not been made public but based upon statements made by both Rodolfich...

  • Annual "Ready to Soar" School Supply Backpack Giveaway Happens August 17

    Special to the News|Updated Jul 28, 2024

    Polk State College is hosting its annual school supply giveaway event to provide students and families with support and resources as the new school year begins, including up to 500 backpacks and 1,500 books. Students and families are invited to attend Polk State College's "Ready to Soar" event August 17 at the JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales. The Center is located at 152 East. Central Avenue in Lake Wales. The event is open to the public and intended for students from...

  • Warner University Trustees Appoint Dr. Craig Williford Acting President

    Robert Connors|Updated Jul 28, 2024

    Reverend Dr. G. Craig Williford has been appointed interim president of Warner University in Lake Wales following the departure of Dr. David A. Hoag, who had led the school since May of 2016. Hoag has been retained to serve as the new President of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) in Washington D.C. Dr. Williford accepted the Board of Trustee's request to serve as interim president of Warner University effective August 1. Dr. Williford will "ensure...

  • GiveWell Grant to Benefit Dual-Enrollment Students at Local Schools, Webber University

    Ryan J Reis and Robert Connors|Updated Jul 18, 2024

    Dual-enrollment of Lake Wales Charter School students in STEM courses at Webber International University will result from a a $10,000 Impact Polk grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation. The grant will provide greater access to students pursuing careers as registered nurses or occupational therapy assistants, according to Dr. Nelson Marquez, President/CEO of Webber. STEM refers to concentrations in the areas of science, technology, engineerin...

  • Back to School Bash Offers Free School Supplies at Eagle Ridge Mall

    Special to the News|Updated Jul 2, 2024

    A series of "Back to School Bashes" sponsored by the Polk County Sheriff's Office will offer essential school supplies to thousands of children across Polk County, including those in the Southeast District. This community-focused event aims to support local students by providing essential school supplies and book bags as they prepare for the upcoming academic year. All the supplies were donated through private donors and Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc. The local event will...

  • Substitute School Crossing Guards Sought

    Special to the News|Updated May 14, 2024

    The safety of children walking to and from area schools is the subject of an appeal for substitute crossing guards to fill in when demand arises. School Crossing Guard services are funded by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. The vital program provides adult crossing guards at selected hazardous school crossings to ensure the safety of elementary school children walking to and from school. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, substitute school crossing...

  • Class of 2024 includes 186 Graduates at Webber International University

    Ryan Reis|Updated May 10, 2024

    Webber International University conducted its 97th commencement ceremony early this month for a graduating class of 186 students. The May 3 event took place in the Sabbagh Athletic Center on the university's campus. "We have a saying here at Webber which you'll often hear: 'The Webber Way...We Make Things Happen Here.' And all of you are witnesses to how we make things happen here," said Webber President and CEO, Dr. Nelson Marquez. "Our graduates are living proof of that."...

  • "High School Musical" Brought Out a Talented Cast at Lake Wales High School

    News Staff Reports|Updated May 3, 2024

    A large group of dedicated students at Lake Wales High School dedicated scores of their free hours and singing talents to three recent performances of "High School Musical." The play drew large audiences to their weekend performances, according to Emily Fournier, who helped direct and produce the play along with co-director Kimberlee Diallo. The two are dedicated educators at the local school. "We have been working on the play since December, meeting three days a week with a...

  • Charter Schools Superintendent Working From Home After Grievances Filed

    Robert Connors|Updated Apr 12, 2024

    Lake Wales Charter Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Rodolfich has spent more than two weeks "working from home" after anonymous grievances were filed, apparently by employees who had worked with him in the school district's home office on Central Avenue in Lake Wales. The charter school's human resources officer, LaQuanda Burroughs, reported to the at a special meeting on March 28 that three different grievances had been filed. After hearing of the grievances, charter school...

  • Florida Poly Breaks Ground on New Engineering Building

    Lydia Guzman|Updated Apr 8, 2024

    Ground has been broken for a new $15-million, two-story building at Florida Polytechnic University that will house research and development labs for a variety of engineering disciplines, staff and faculty offices, collaboration spaces, and a conference room. Florida Polytechnic University leaders were joined by state and community officials on April 4 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building, a cutting-edge 40,000-square-foot academic facility...

  • Roosevelt Academy Programs Producing Workforce-Ready Graduates

    Casey Gist, News Correspondent|Updated Apr 6, 2024

    A new welding program at Roosevelt Academy is allowing students to learn basic and advanced welding techniques, preparing them for immediate careers. Students involved in the program also receive dual enrollment credits that could be used to further their welding training at Ridge Technical College. Seniors planning to take the test this year, including Fred Miller, Joseph Fletcher, McLens Pierre, and Juan Villalpando, will receive certification by the American Welding...

  • Polk State College to Offer Career Expo

    Madison Fantozzi|Updated Mar 29, 2024

    Setting students on a path toward success has long been a goal of Polk State College. On April 10, that vision will extend to the entire community. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the College will host a Career Expo in the gymnasium on the Winter Haven Campus. The job fair-style event is free and open to all Polk State students and community members. The Career Expo will feature more than 30 vendors from various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, government,...

  • Dr. Kenneth Reaves Named Campus Provost at Webber International University

    Ryan Reis|Updated Mar 26, 2024

    Webber International University recently appointed Dr. Kenneth Reaves as the new Campus Provost, who will also serve as the campus president. Dr. Reaves brings over two decades of experience in higher education and a wealth of knowledge to the institution. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ken Reaves to the Webber family," said Webber President/CEO Dr. Nelson Marquez. "His vast experience and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to our mission of providing a...

  • Students Invited to Enter Water Conservation Art Contest

    Jeff Foley|Updated Feb 27, 2024

    Polk County's annual Water Conservation Art Contest is open for all Polk County students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Winning entries will be featured in Polk County Utilities' 2025 Water Conservation Calendar. Participants are encouraged to create a poster or picture that demonstrates the "how" and/or "why" of water conservation. Students may use words or slogans, images, etc. Suggested subjects include saving water, reclaimed water, stormwater protection (pollution...

  • Junior Achievement Receives Grant to Teach Financial Literacy

    Special to the News|Updated Feb 5, 2024

    McLaughlin Middle/High School in Lake Wales is among the schools that will benefit from an effort by Junior Achievement. The JA of Florida Foundation has received a $70,000 grant from State Farm to support a statewide statewide initiative of learning experiences in eight localities throughout Florida, enabling thousands of young people to participate in JA's nationally recognized financial literacy and career readiness learning experiences. At McLaughlin School the Principles...

  • "Grants for Great Ideas" to Benefit Local Educational Efforts

    Special to the News|Updated Jan 23, 2024

    Teachers and other school-based professionals that work directly with students at a local school are invited to apply for a mini-grant that will fund classroom activities. The GFWC Lake Wales Junior Woman's Club Grants for Great Ideas program is offering $5,000 that will be divided into $250l grants to augment teaching, Instructors at Lake Wales Charter Schools and Polk County Public Schools with a physical Lake Wales address are eligible. Grant applications have been sent to...

  • Polk State College Lake Wales to Host Open House January 25

    Madison Fantozzi|Updated Jan 16, 2024

    Polk State College invites prospective students, their families, and community members to an open house at the Polk State JD Alexander Center on January 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 152 E. Central Ave. in Lake Wales. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Center's new Director, Von McGriff, as well as faculty and staff. Tours of the campus, assistance with admission and registration, and information about programs, financial aid, and scholarships will be available....

  • Dr. Nelson Marquez Is New Webber International University President

    Ryan Reis|Updated Dec 7, 2023

    Webber International University, located just south of Lake Wales near Crooked Lake, has a new president and CEO following action by the school's board of directors. Dr. Nelson Marquez was named during the semi-annual meeting of the Board of Trustees on December 1, when the board unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Marquez effective that date. Dr. Marquez replaces Dr. H. Keith Wade who has served as the University's President/CEO since 2008. Dr. Marquez had served as...

  • Ellen Jones Named to Stamps Scholars at Mercer University

    Special to the News|Updated Nov 29, 2023

    the prestigious Stamps Scholars program at Georgia's Mercer University has welcomed a local resident to the program. Mercer's newest Stamps Scholar class includes Ellen Rose Jones from Lake Wales. "Stamps Scholars are among the highest-achieving students at Mercer," said Dr. David A. Davis, director of University Honors. "Recent graduates have gone on to prestigious graduate programs and high-profile careers. We are excited to imagine the future for this cohort of scholars."...

  • Bok North Ag Students Continue "Adventures" in Education

    Seaira Hernandez and Madison ONeal, Bok North Ag Program|Updated Oct 13, 2023

    EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was written by middle school students at Bok North Academy. Students enrolled in the Bok Academy North agriculture program are excited for the opportunities they are being offered this year. Among those are participation in the Future Farmers of America programs. LakeWalesNews.net plans to publish monthly stories written by students of the program. Instructor Jennifer Williams says she is teaching students that agriculture "is much more than just...

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