In case you missed it: The Ledger's salute to graduates - galleries and graduation lists
Polk County's high school graduates of 2024 were born amid a global war on terror.
They took their first steps at the dawn of the mobile revolution, when social media and smartphones connected the world as never before. But a home-lending crisis wreaked havoc on the economy.
In their freshman year, the world was turned upside down by a global pandemic disrupting the educational system.
Through all these years, through the trials and triumphs, Polk County has watched them grow, with a strong sense of dignity, compassion and community service. Look no further than the 2024 Silver Garland winners. The Silver Garland Awards, started by The Ledger in 1976 and now administered by Visit Central Florida, honor high school seniors that have used their talents to give back to their communities. See this year's winners here.
Now these young women and men are headed into the world — to college, the military, to learn a trade, to start families, to build stronger communities.
We speak for all parents when we say we're proud of you. And we can't wait to see what you add to the world.
On June 23, The Ledger ran its 2024 Graduates special section in print. It included the complete graduating classes for each of Polk's public schools, public charter schools and participating private schools. Each of those graduating classes are found below, just click on the links.
Bartow International Baccalaureate
Bibleway Royal Christian Academy
Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School
Fort Meade Middle-Senior High School
Frostproof Middle-Senior High School
Haines City International Baccalaureate
New Beginnings High School
Polk State Collegiate High School
Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College
Ridgeview Global Studies Academy
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: The Ledger's graduation memories: Photo galleries and graduation lists
