The Education Foundation of Lake County Celebrates “Under the Big Top” with Success at 19th Annual Stepping Out for Education
July 31, 2025 Tavares, FL – The Education Foundation of Lake County is proud to announce the spectacular success of the 19th Annual Stepping Out for Education, held July 25 & 26 at the Venetian Center in Leesburg, Florida. With community stars taking center ring, this year’s circus-themed celebration proved that when we all come together under one big top, magic happens. The two unforgettable nights of talent, entertainment, and community support, raised more than $94,000. These funds will be matched dollar-for-dollar through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) School District Education Foundation Matching Grant program, doubling the impact of every contribution and directly supporting Lake County students and teachers. The celebrity dancers prepared for the event by completing 20 hours of dance training with their professional partner. A panel of professional judges, that included Andy Bradfield, Lora Costantini, and Kia Blair, judged the teams’ two performances each night and combined the scores to award the top Male and Female Performer. Dance It Studio’s Eddie Rivera served as the Creative Director for the event ensuring a top notch event. The event opened with an encore performance from the 2024 Mirror Ball Winner, Dr. Terri Pfister Soos. Previous Stepping Out alumni, Dr. Wade Winker and Marc Robertz-Schwartz, served as ring master & master of ceremonies. Both gentlemen worked tirelessly to help make this event a success. Celebrity Dancers:• Justin Allender, First National Bank of Mount Dora• Allyson Berry, Leesburg City Commissioner• West Germeroth, Lake Jem Farms, LLC• Ariel Rolon, Wharton-Smith, Inc.• Marlene Straughan, Lake County School District• Ericka Wright, Addition Financial The audience participated in voting for the audience choice performer each night with assistance from the Lake County Supervisor of Elections staff. Friday Night Winners• Top Male Dancer: West Germeroth• Top Female Dancer: Marlene Straughan• Audience Choice: Marlene Straughan Saturday Night Winners:• Top Male Dancer: Ariel Rolon• Top Female Dancer: Allyson Berry• Audience Choice: Marlene Straughan After two nights of high-energy performances and overwhelming community support, we are thrilled to announce that Marlene Straughan was crowned the 2025 Audience Choice & Mirror Ball Champion! Marlene also earned this year’s Influencer Award. “The 19th year of Stepping Out for Education was truly a show like no other. This event continues to grow every year, and the support from our community is a reminder of everyone joining together for a common purpose: supporting public education,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation. “Each dollar raised helps bring critical resources into our classrooms and create meaningful opportunities for our students. The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the sponsors, donors, attendees, and volunteers whose dedication and generosity made this event possible.” The event also include guest appearances from the dance students of East Ridge High School and Lake Minneola High School. The drumline from Mount Dora High School also joined the show. The student production team from Eustis High School captured special moments on Saturday along with Bonnie Whicher Photography. (Ariel Rolon of Wharton-Smith, Inc. won Top Male Dancer on Saturday) (Erika Wright, Addition Financial) (West Germeroth, Lake Jem Farms, won Top Male Dancer on Friday) (Marlene Straughan, Lake County Schools, won Top Female on Friday and the Audience Choice Award both evenings; she received the 2025 Mirror Ball Trophy) (Justin Allender, First National Bank of Mount Dora) (Allyson Berry, City of Leesburg, won Top Female on Saturday) A special thank you to our sponsors & event partners:• Wharton-Smith, Inc.• Electric Services, Inc.• City of Leesburg• Lake County Sheriff’s Office Charities• Ford Press• Style Magazine• Dance It Studios• Addition Financial• Citizens First Bank• First National Bank of Mount Dora• The Living Mortgage Group• Lake Jem Farms, LLC• Vann Gannaway Chevrolet• Mathais Food Service• Mainstreet Leasing• Frank Remsen Law• Eustis Lakeside Dental• UDT• Mount Dora Kiwanis• GSB Construction• Tax Collector’s Office• Lake Technical College• Edgewater Family Wealth• United Southern Bank• Skates, Uhrik, & Vasquez Law• Kelley Pyles – Royal Fund Management• The MIKE Endowment• Live Well Foundation• Insight Credit Union• Duke Energy• Renew Day Spa• Pisces Rising To learn more about the Education Foundation of Lake County and how you can support future events and initiatives, visit www.edfoundationlake.com.
Education Foundation prepares for new school year with Apple-Mart improvements and community support
Leesburg, FL — The Education Foundation of Lake County is proud to announce and recognize the generous local sponsors supporting its 2025–2026 Apple-Mart Stores. These partnerships are an essential part of the Education Foundation’s mission to serve as the connection between the community and the Lake County School District. This year, three community partners identified the Apple-Mart stores at the heart of an opportunity to support Lake County Schools. Apple-Mart is known as the place Lake County School teachers can shop for free. Throughout the school year, the Apple- Mart locations are open once a week for the teachers to visit and pick up school supplies for their classrooms and their students. In 2024-2025, there were over 950 Apple-Mart store visits, which equate to $148,456 worth of school supplies that were distributed. The Apple-Mart store sponsors for the 2025-2026 school year include:Citizens First Bank – Leesburg locationODP Business Solutions – Mascotte locationComcast – Eustis location These sponsors will be featured at each location, in store displays, on digital platforms, and in monthly e-newsletters. “The Education Foundation is excited for the renewed energy surrounding our Apple-Mart locations,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation. The Apple-Mart locations are also going digital this upcoming school year by tracking the supplies distributed and the financial impact of the three locations. “We look forward to increasing the number of teachers who visit our stores and the number of resources we are providing across the district.” The Apple-Mart stores are supported by volunteers and through donations of supplies, including the Red for Ed initiative underway throughout the month of July. “We have more than 30 businesses and community organizations joining forces to collect school supplies through the Red for Ed initiative,” shared Dr. Johnson. “Red for Ed is known as a friendly competition that encourages local businesses to collect school supplies that will fill the Education Foundation’s three Apple-Mart locations and ensure teachers and students have the resources they need to start the school year off right.” The Education Foundation will host two Pep Rallies for Public Education to weigh the collected supplies. On July 31, supplies can be dropped off from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Clermont, Florida at 2460 Hooks St. and on August 1, supplies can be dropped off at the same time in Tavares, Florida at 201 W. Burleigh St. Each of the Pep Rallies will feature a food truck and a fun environment to get ready for the next school year. “We are grateful to McCree General Contractors and Cebert Tax Service for their generous support of our Pep Rallies for Public Education,” said Kacey Edmondson, Donor Development Specialist at the Foundation. “Their commitment to supporting public education demonstrates a shared belief in the power of community to positively impact students and teachers. Their sponsorship ensures that we can continue to celebrate the incredible work happening in Lake County Schools as we kick off another successful school year.”Apple-Mart invites all community members to support participating sponsors and learn more about the program by visiting https://edfoundationlake.com/ About the Education Foundation of Lake CountyEstablished in 1987, Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and designated direct support organization for Lake County Schools. Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education. The Education Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefit of students and teachers in Lake County Public Schools. About Lake County Schools: Lake County Schools is the 19th largest school district in the state of Florida, serving about 43,000 students across 50 learning sites, including traditional public schools, charter schools, a virtual school, and other specialty schools. Our mission is to provide every student with individual opportunities to excel and to prepare every student to graduate with the skills needed to succeed in post-secondary education and the workplace. For more news and information about Lake County Schools, visit www.lake.k12.fl.us.
Education Foundation Installs 2025-2027 Executive Board
Leesburg, FL — The Education Foundation of Lake County is pleased to announce the newly installed Executive Board for the 2025–2027 term, marking a special occasion in its more than years of connecting the community and public schools. The Executive Board includes: President: Matthew Hackler (Edgewater Family Wealth) Vice President: Kasey Hobbs (United Southern Bank) Treasurer: Rich Billings (Citizens First Bank, Retired) Secretary: Cindi Falanga (Citizens First Bank) Members-at-Large: Loren Vasquez (Skates Uhrik Vasquez Law) and Mike DeGraw (DeGraw Properties) Starting his term as President, Matthew Hackler shared, “I have found that the impact that the Foundation makes on Lake County public schools is far greater than I could have ever imagined. From teacher grants – funding classroom projects – to giving out thousands annually in scholarships to well deserving students, every dollar donated furthers that cause. The partnership that the Educational Foundation has with Lake County Schools cannot be understated. The Foundation’s dedicated team works hand in hand with key stakeholders in the School system to help further their mission and enhance educational opportunities for all students.” The 2025–2027 Executive Board will guide key initiatives including Teacher Impact Grants, the scholarship program, the Apple-Mart locations, community events — leveraging strong community partnerships to directly benefit classrooms in need. The Foundation, established in 1987, has a proven track record of impact—awarding over $322,000 in scholarships to Class of 2025 graduates and investing significantly in classroom resources. “We’re honored to have this exceptional group of elected leaders,” said Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Johnson. “Their expertise, dedication, and shared vision will greatly enhance our efforts to support students and educators across Lake County.” The Executive Board meets regularly in Leesburg, and all meetings are open to the public. For more information about meeting dates and Foundation programs, visit edfoundationlake.com. About the Education Foundation of Lake CountyEstablished in 1987, Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and designated direct support organization for Lake County Schools. Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education. The Education Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefit of students and teachers in Lake County Public Schools. Outgoing President, Lori Baker, with Executive Director (Dr. Elizabeth Johnson), and incoming President, Matt Hackler.
Education Foundation Awards Scholarships to Outstanding Graduating Seniors
Investing in the Future of the Class of 2025Leesburg, FL — The Education Foundation of Lake County, the direct support organization for Lake County Schools, proudly awarded a total of $322,562 in scholarships to outstanding graduates from the Class of 2025. This includes $79,900 from 18 different scholarships presented to 63 students, as well as Florida Prepaid 2-Year College Plans valued at $207,900, awarded to 33 graduates of the Take Stock in Children program. This total also reflects our continued investment in student success through the ongoing distribution of previously awarded, multi-year scholarships for recipients from prior graduating classes. These scholarships, made possible through the generosity of local donors, businesses, and community partners, recognize students for their academic achievements, leadership, community involvement, and aspirations for higher education. This year’s awards reflect the community’s ongoing commitment to helping young people succeed beyond high school.“Scholarships are a way to invest in our leaders of tomorrow and our future workforce. The scholarships awarded to the graduating seniors support their pursuit of post-secondary education, certificates, and credentials that will benefit them and our community,” said Dr. Elizabeth M. Johnson, Executive Director. Every scholarship donor and selection review committee plays a pivotal role in the success of the senior scholarship season. Many scholarships are based on academic merit, community volunteerism while others are needs based. These opportunities are a testament to the belief that every student deserves the chance to pursue their goals with confidence and support. “Our scholarship donors are the true champions behind every student’s story,” said Kacey Edmondson, Development Director and Scholarship Administrator for the Foundation. “Their investment in our students doesn’t just impact a single moment—it creates opportunities that last beyond high school.” These scholar graduates were all celebrated at their high school’s Senior Awards Ceremonies, where students are recognized alongside donors, school leaders, and community supporters. Leesburg High School Graduate Barath Balaji had this to say “I’m really grateful to the Education Foundation of Lake County for the opportunity to apply for multiple scholarships. Being selected means a lot and will help me graduate debt free!” “This scholarship means more to me than just financial support; it is a reflection of the values I hold dear—community, perseverance, and the belief that we can make a positive impact on others.” said recipient Aran Cross from Eustis High School. “As I pursue my degree in physical therapy, I am excited to continue giving back and making a difference in the lives of those around me.” Every year the Education Foundation opens their scholarship application cycle on January 1st. The application window is usually open for 60 days where more than 350 students typically apply. Looking ahead, they hope to add more scholarships for the Class of 2026. Whether you are a student seeking to apply or you want to establish a scholarship for graduates, more information can be found at https://edfoundationlake.com/scholarships or by contact EFLC at 352.326.1265. About the Education Foundation of Lake CountyEstablished in 1987, Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and designated direct support organization for Lake County Schools. Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education. The Education Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefit of students and teachers in Lake County Public Schools.