Ryan Darley, Polk State College

Ryan Darley, a second-year student at Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida, is a decorated combat veteran who served two terms in Iraq. Since returning to Polk State College, he has dedicated himself to helping other veterans adjust to college life. He has participated in a number of service-learning projects including an on-campus lake restoration, life history interviews at a local retirement center, My Brother’s Keeper, Polk State’s first Civic Dialogue on Higher Education, as well as ongoing work with campus veterans. Ryan’s passion is boundless and his life experiences are rich, which will make Ryan a powerful voice in public policy as he pursues a degree in sociology.