On August 26, the Education Foundation of Lake County hosted its annual Take Stock in Children “Meet, Greet, & Grow” event at the Venetian Center in Leesburg. The gathering brought together 60 newly inducted students and their families to celebrate their entry into the program, connect with program leaders, and participate in an interactive mentoring session.
Designed to set scholars up for long-term academic success, the event gave families a comprehensive overview of the Take Stock in Children program and provided students with an immediate opportunity to experience the benefits of one-on-one mentorship.
A central highlight of the evening was a student and mentor panel featuring sophomore Megan Neylon alongside her mentor, Philippine Owusu-Ofori, as well as senior Letizia Machado with her mentor, Ann Peck. The panelists shared personal insights into their journeys, discussing the profound impact of mentorship, accountability, and guidance throughout high school.
Community members can experience the excitement of the event by watching the Meet, Greet, & Grow Video Highlights on YouTube.
Take Stock in Children provides deserving students with one-on-one mentoring, college readiness coaching, and the opportunity to earn a Florida Prepaid College Scholarship upon graduation. Applications are currently open for 8th & 9th grade students in Lake and Sumter Counties. Check out our website for information on how to apply: https://edfoundationlake.com/take-stock-in-children/
Looking to make a lasting impact? Our program is always seeking dedicated community leaders to serve as mentors. Mentors spend just 30 minutes twice a month with a student. If you’re interested in changing a life, please visit https://edfoundationlake.com/become-a-mentor/








