Meet, Greet & Grow: Take Stock in Children Welcomes New Scholars in Lake & Sumter
Inaugural event, sponsored by Insight Financial Credit Union, hosted on August 26 Take Stock in Children of Lake & Sumter Counties proudly welcomed its newest class of scholars for the 2025 school year at the “Meet, Greet, and Grow” Pledge Signing Ceremony, hosted by the Education Foundation of Lake County and sponsored by Insight Financial Credit Union. The celebration recognized high school students recently accepted into the Take Stock in Children program, which provides deserving youth with a volunteer mentor, college readiness resources, and a college scholarship upon successful completion of program requirements. During the ceremony, each student signed a pledge committing to maintain good grades, positive behavior, and consistent attendance while remaining drug- and crime-free. This pledge represents their dedication to achieving success in high school, college, and beyond. New scholars also had the opportunity to meet their mentors for the first time. These dedicated volunteers will meet regularly with students to offer encouragement, guidance, and accountability throughout their educational journey. “This is an exciting time for our newest students and their mentors,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Lake County. “More than that, it’s an exciting time for their parents and families. The newest cohort of Take Stock in Children students are embarking on a journey to pursue their goals and better themselves. It is a privilege to be part of their journeys.” Additionally, the new students’ parents & family members were invited to attend the event. The partnership between parents, mentors, and students creates a strong support system that encourages both academic success and personal growth. When families and mentors work together, students gain confidence, encouragement, and the guidance they need to reach their full potential. The Take Stock in Children program for Lake & Sumter Counties has a total of 117 students for the 2025-2026 school year. Recruitment is underway for the 2026-2027 cohort of students. About Take Stock in Children Take Stock in Children has been transforming the lives of students across Florida for the past 30 years. By combining mentorship, accountability, and a guaranteed college scholarship, the program helps break the cycle of poverty through education. The program provides low-income, academically promising students with mentors, resources, and scholarships to help them succeed in college, career, and life. Since its founding in 1995, Take Stock in Children has served more than 44,000 students across Florida. Locally, the Lake & Sumter program has supported 866 students on their path to success. For more information about Take Stock in Children of Lake & Sumter Counties, please visit tsiclakesumter.org or contact the office at 352-787-6576 or TSIC@Lake.K12.FL.US About the Education Foundation of Lake County Established in 1987, the 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.
Education Foundation Board of Directors announces new Executive Director
The Education Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Elizabeth M. Johnson, Ed.D., has been selected to replace retiring Executive Director Carman Cullen who leaves December 31, 2024. Dr. Johnson and Ms. Cullen will be working together the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Johnson brings 12 years of professional experience in educational settings and serving non-profit organizations. She comes to the foundation from Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC), where she was the interim program director, Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership, for Workforce Programs. Previously she was director of assessment for Process Improvement & Institutional Research at LSSC and associate director of the Office of First Year Experience at the University of Central Florida (UCF). At LSSC, Dr. Johnson cultivated and sustained community and college partnerships to establish internship opportunities and a virtual seminar series to drive outreach efforts. At UCF, she successfully secured alumni donor gifts totaling more than $100,000 and secured a university-allocated COVID grant for $1.2 million. Dr. Johnson is an advocate for creating experiences and securing resources that will benefit students beyond the classroom and prepare them to be the future of our community. Her proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to achieve common goals, providing strategic guidance, and managing programmatic details will serve the foundation well. Her goals align with the foundation’s goals, and the Board is confident that her skills and leadership will be an asset to the Foundation, Lake County Public Schools, Take Stock in Children, and the community.
18th Annual Stepping Out for Education Winner Announced
Six local celebrities and their professional partners danced their hearts out to benefit the teachers and students of Lake County Schools at the 18th Annual Stepping Out for Education, held July 26th and 27th at the Venetian Center in Leesburg. The signature event for the Education Foundation of Lake County raised over $89,000 for Lake County Schools Teacher Mentorship program and the state will match the total 100%. Each team boot, scoot, and boogied the audience and judges out of their boots at the Wild Wild West…Saddle Up and Get Ready for the Ride themed evening. The celebrities included: A panel of professional judges that included Anastassia Abramenko, Marta Lyszkowicz, and Andy Bradfield judged the teams’ two performances each night and combined the scores to award the top Male and Female Performer. The audience participated in voting for the audience choice performer each night with assistance from the Lake County Supervisor of Elections staff. Friday night’s Top Female Performer was Jessica Giannini.Friday night’s Top Male Performer was Dr. Maen Hussein.Friday night’s Audience Choice winner was Dr. Terri Pfister Soos. Saturday night’s Top Female Performer was Dr. Terri Pfister Soos.Saturday night’s Top Male Performer was Dr. Maen Hussein.Saturday night’s Audience Choice winner was Dr. Terri Pfister Soos. The 2024 Influencer Award was won by Jessica Giannini. The Overall Mirror Ball Winner was Dr. Terri Pfister Soos of Lake County Schools, pictured below. The event was emceed by the two best looking cowboys in Lake County, and previous Stepping Out alums, Dr. Wade Winker and Marc Robertz-Schwartz. Both gentlemen worked tirelessly to help make this event a success. A special thank you to our sponsors who included: Style Magazine, Dance It Studio, Citizens First Bank, Wharton-Smith Construction Group, City of Leesburg, Electric Services Inc., FASRO, United Southern Bank, McLin Burnsed, UDT, Renew Day Spa, Nobles Marine, Mathias Foodservice, Maggie’s Attic and Remsen Law, Lake County Sheriff’s Office Charities, Insight Credit Union, GSB Construction & Development, Florida Cancer Specialists, Eustis Roofing, Eustis Lakeside Dental, Bowen & Schroth, Advanced Behavioral Health Center, Addition Financial, Holiday Air Conditioning, Vita Coco, M & M Enterprises of Morriston Inc., Great Lakes Carpet & Tile, LLC., Ford Press, Duke Energy, and 1st Choice Door and Milwork.