Recognizing Excellence of Lake County Schools
[This post will be updated as recognition continues of our district leaders] The Education Foundation of Lake County is proud to recognize the amazing educators and staff who lead the Lake County School District. Throughout December & January, the Education Foundation of Lake County facilitates the recognition of the District’s School-Related Employee of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. 2026 School-Related Employee of the Year The 2026 School-Related Employee of the Year program recognizes outstanding education support personnel for their contributions to their schools and communities. On November 17, the top three finalists for the district-wide recognition were surprised at their schools with the announcement. This year’s finalists include Jesi Cartagena of East Ridge High School (pictured far left), Terrie Burklew of Grassy Lake Elementary (pictured center), and Kimberly Capstraw of Mount Dora High School (pictured right). The winner will be announced at the Lake County School Board meeting on December 8th. The winner will be recommended for the statewide recognition on behalf the of the district. 2027 Teacher of the Year & 2025-2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year The nominees for Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year, and the finalists for School-Related Employee of the Year will be celebrated on January 29 at the Celebration InspirED by Excellence. This event, presented by Additional Financial, aims to recognize the leaders making a difference every day in their schools. It is an evening honoring excellence and celebrating part of what makes Lake County Schools great. You are invited to learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the Celebration InspirED by Excellence by visiting our events page or e-mailing us at edfoundation@lake.k12.fl.us.
STEAM Learning in Action
Throughout November, the Education Foundation supported meaningful STEAM experiences for students across Lake County. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The hands-on learning experiences foster creativity and problem-solving in our students. The Lake County Schools’ Robotics Scrimmage featured twelve teams from across the county competing for the top prize on October 25. The event was hosted at Tavares Middle School and made possible with support from Duke Energy and the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. Congratulations to Cypress Ridge Elementary School and Pinecrest Academy Middle for earning back-to-back Excellence Awards. In November, hundreds of Lake County 5th graders embarked on a musical adventure across two days. The Young People’s Concert, coordinated by Lake Community Arts, brought together the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Ballet, and Opera Orlando. The Education Foundation secured a grant through Walt Disney World to support this event. Thank you to all the supporters who helped make this experience possible for our students. Umatilla Elementary School’s Dustin Strate received a Teacher Impact Grant to support a new 3D printer for his 4th-grade class. The students were able to design flashlights that were then printed by the 3D printer. In class, they learned about electrical conduction and saw their flashlights in action. The Education Foundation’s Teacher Impact Grants bring ideas to life for students and teachers. Your investment in the arts & technology creates lasting memories and deepens the connection between creativity and learning. Robotics Scrimmage Dustin Strate’s 4th Grade Class
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.