Mary B. Jewett, MD Mary Jewett was born in 1858 in Mogadore, Ohio, and spent the first half of her life breaking through barriers that most women of her era never attempted. She completed her public education, graduated from the Philadelphia Presbyterian School of Medicine, taught at Buchtel College, the forerunner of the University of Akron, during the 1870s, and later joined the faculty at Merrill-VanLear College in New York. She started a medical practice in New York City

As graduation dreams approach- A Bit of WHHS History Winter Haven’s first official high school opened in 1915. It was a kindergarten through 12th grade facility located on Central Avenue on the site of the current downtown post office. Prior to 1915, Haven School’s educational offering stopped at the eighth grade. By October of 1916, the school fielded a basketball team. There were 15 students in the first graduating class. The first yearbook was published in 1917. The school

L. Shannon Graves comes from a boarding school background. It makes up his entire educational career of 30 years. From St. Petersburg to Hawaii, he’s worked for military and traditional boarding schools. He believes in them. And that belief is ever present as he speaks about the Vanguard School. “It’s a place where kids feel comfortable. Our faculty and staff are on campus. Our residential staff is on campus. Our coaches are on campus. And the students develop a real sense of

Every now and then you hear about a school that has a spark, a niche that makes it stand out amongst other institutions; one that wants to serve a particular purpose, which makes you smile and have hope for the students that get to attend. Other times you will hear about that one cool teacher featured on the local news for going full Ms. Frizzle meets Mr. Roger’s neighborhood leaving an impact as they dared to push the norm. This time you will hear about both. A spectacular s

The Black and White Photography class at Polk State College is far more than its name suggests. This foundational film course is a gateway to mastering the art and science of photography, offering students hands-on experience with 35-mm cameras, film processing and darkroom techniques that are unique in Polk County. Under the guidance of Professor Sarah Brewington, students like Candace Knoebel, Michael Comings, and Ean Pennypacker are discovering the timeless craft of film p

The sounds of the weight room meet you before you reach the door. Thumps, clashing, and clangs are heard steps away and are accompanied by chatter and giggles. Coach Renard Ellis calls out a few girls who eagerly walk over to be interviewed. Each with a greeting and quick inquiry, lead the way to the meeting area, where they all discuss what it is like to be a part of the Winter Haven High School (WHHS) Girls’ Weightlifting team. Five members of the team sit on the benches in

For many, college can mean the beginning of independence. Independence meaning the start of making your own decisions. It may mean your first time buying textbooks, or paying tuition, or paying for where you sleep at night. Independence meaning you have your responsibilities and difficulties that are all yours to handle. With Polk State College’s student efforts, independence does not mean you are alone. In fact, two particular and very special initiatives at the school were

The Polk Training Center Inc. is in a new season of growth as they celebrate their first year at their new location at 90 N. 4th Street in Eagle Lake and prepare for their 40th anniversary next April. The Center provides continual learning opportunities for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Executive Director Cheri Dawson shows off the sprawling little building, a former appliance parts store, now decked out with shelves to display plants and beautiful

Two weeks before the championship game, there is room to reminisce. The Winter Haven Senior High Lady Blue Devils (LBD) of 2023 and 2024 made it to the finals. The conditioning was the same. The practices went as structured. The goal was set. But both years, they lost. Now the 2025 team was headed back with the same goal… on the same floor they graced twice, with the same conditioning, the same amount of practices, and facing the same team that previously beat them. “I went a

Kids today are busy—school, sports, and afterschool activities--and are spending less time outdoors than ever before. According to research from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), this disconnection from nature can impact both physical and mental well-being. One way to reintroduce youth to the natural world is through gardening and nature-based activities, and your local UF/IFAS Extension Service has a variety of resources to as

Polk County… it’s time to ROCK OUT!! This year’s Battle of the Bands High School Edition is coming to Union Hall with a lineup of musicians from Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Osceola, Orange, and, of course, good ol’ Polk County. I had the honor of talking with Holly Cordero, the founder and CEO of Cordero Music, a local music and performance-centered nonprofit, and the event coordinator for this month’s shred fest to get some details about the gig and the mission behind her

Reading with Rescues is a fun and engaging community program for K-8th grade students to visit Hope Equine Rescue and read to a horse, donkey, or mule supervised, but unassisted, for approximately 30 minutes. Typically held on the second Friday of each month, the February date has been moved a week earlier due to `Valentine’s Day. Students are welcome to bring their own reading material or borrow from the library of donated books. After reading, students will have a “petting