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.
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.