The Education Foundation of Lake County held the 20th Anniversary of Stepping Out for Education on July 31 & August 1, 2026 at the Venetian Center in Leesburg, Florida. This signature fundraiser for the Education Foundation brought in more than $258,000 through sponsorships and donations, which will be matched with an additional $110,000 helping the event exceed the total fundraising goal of $350,000. The Education Foundation of Lake County receives matching dollars through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) School District Education Foundation Matching Grant program, doubling the impact of support for Lake County students and teachers.
Known as the local version of “Dancing with the Stars,” the 2026 Stepping Out for Education included local celebrities from years past serving as “All-Stars” and new competitors known as “Rising Stars.” The dancers included:
- All-Stars
- Tyler Borowski of David W Jordan Lake County Tax Collector
- Alise Morris of Lifestream Behavioral Center
- Sharon Nobles of Nobles Marine
- Frank Remsen of Remsen Family Law
- Rising Stars:
- Fred Griffin, Jr. of Touching Hearts Group Home
- Dr. Stephanie Luke of Lake County Schools
- Christie Mysinger of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Cason Setzekorn of United Southern Bank
The celebrity dancers prepared for the event by completing 20 hours of dance training. The 20th Anniversary included a unique twist with an All-Star dancing with a Rising Star. During the second act, the celebrities danced with a professional dancer. Dance It Studio’s Eddie Rivera served as the Creative Director for the event ensuring an unparalleled performance by all the dancers. Rivera was also recognized as the Education Foundation’s Scott A. Strong Business Partner of the Year for 2026.
Past Stepping Out alumni and Education Foundation Board of Directors, Marc Robertz-Schwartz and Sheriff Peyton Grinnell, served as emcees for this event. Their energy and enthusiasm for raising funds during this platinum anniversary event was instrumental to its success.
“Stepping Out for Education is known as one of our premier fundraising events, but this year was extra special. We celebrated 20 years of community leaders stepping out of their comfort zone, all while more importantly, raising funds for the District. The dollars raised enhance our students’ experiences and provide meaningful support for our teachers. We are deeply appreciative to the sponsors, donors, attendees, volunteers, community partners & vendors, and of course the dancers who dedicated their time, energy, and talents over the past few months.”
A panel of professional judges, that included Andy Bradfield, Kia Blair, and past dancer & Education Foundation Board Member, Bobby Rhodes, judged the two performances each night and combined the scores to award the top All-Star & Rising Star each night. The event opened with a stellar performance from student dancers from Lake Minneola High School & East Ridge High School. The 2025 Mirror Ball winner, Marlene Straughan, kept the crowds entertained after dinner with her encore performance.
The audience participated in voting for the audience choice performer each night with assistance from the Lake County Supervisor of Elections staff.
Friday & Saturday Night Winners
• Top Rising Star: Dr. Stephanie Luke
• Top All-Star: Sharon Nobles
• Audience Choice: Dr. Stephanie Luke
The anniversary event brought high energy performances and overwhelming community support. We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Stephanie Luke was crowned the 2026 Audience Choice & Mirror Ball Champion! Sharon Nobles earned this year’s Influencer Award. This competition relied on dancers to secure votes, valued at $5 each, ahead of the event. Each dancer identified an Education foundation or Lake County Schools program to allocate the earned funds. More than $6,400 were earned through this competition. Nobles dedicated funds to performing & visual arts programs.
Sharon Nobles
