Lifetime Resident Continues Support for Eustis Schools with New Gift
Eustis resident and retired physician, Dr. William Zeller, has donated $30,000 to four local Eustis schools, benefiting more than 5,000 students at Eustis High School, Eustis Heights Elementary, Eustis Elementary, and Eustis Middle School. School principals accepted the donations on December 15, 2025 at a small gathering with Dr. Zeller. Dr. Zeller, who practiced family medicine in Eustis for over 40 years, requested that funds support financial literacy initiatives in addition to school-identified priorities. Some of their funding needs included classroom manipulatives, a student ambassador program, civic experiences, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) resources, and weight room enhancements. Lake Technical College students, Hailey Burke (Cosmetology) and Devon Wright (HVAC), were present for the recognition as recipients of this year’s Zeller scholarship. A longtime advocate for education, Dr. Zeller also endowed the William V. and Mary L. Penny Zeller Scholarship in 2022 to benefit students attending Lake Technical College. Seven scholarships have been awarded to date. The donation was made through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), allowing Dr. Zeller to support local schools while meeting retirement withdrawal requirements. Learn more about leaving a legacy through various giving strategies.
Universal Orlando Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to Education Foundation of Lake County
The Education Foundation of Lake County is proud to announce it has received a $50,000 grant from Universal Orlando Foundation, Inc., awarded during the Universal Orlando Foundation’s 4th Annual Celebration of Giving on December 4, 2025. The grant will support the modernization of Apple-Mart, the Education Foundation’s teacher resource stores, by helping digitize and enhance operations to better serve educators across Lake County Schools. Since 1998, Universal Orlando Foundation, Inc. has awarded more than $35 million to Central Florida nonprofit organizations focused on education, families, and basic needs. This year alone, the Foundation distributed $1.5 million across six counties, continuing its long-standing commitment to strengthening communities throughout the region. The Apple-Mart program addresses a critical need in Lake County by ensuring that teachers and support staff have equitable access to free classroom supplies throughout the school year. Each year, educators across the nation personally spend between $500 and $750 of their own income on classroom materials. As educational needs and technology evolve, Apple Mart is preparing for its next phase of growth. The program sought $50,000 in grant funding to digitize and modernize operations, creating a more efficient, data-driven system that would enhance access, improve equity, and expand capacity to serve more educators across the county. “We are incredibly grateful to Universal Orlando Foundation for this investment in our educators,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation. “This funding allows us to modernize Apple-Mart, improving access, efficiency, and impact so we can better support teachers and, ultimately provide students resources they need to be successful.” The Education Foundation of Lake County’s Apple-Mart program provides educators with essential classroom supplies at no cost, helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring students have the tools they need to learn and thrive. For more information about the Education Foundation of Lake County and Apple-Mart, visit our website.
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 was announced at the Lake County School Board meeting on December 8th. Join us in celebrating Mrs. Kimberly Capstraw of Mount Dora High School. The winner will be recommended for the statewide recognition on behalf the of the district. 2025-2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year Lake County’s Rookie Teacher of the Year recognition is awarded to teachers with three years or less of teaching experience. You can learn about prior year’s honorees here. 2027 Teacher of the Year The Florida Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year program aims to honor and recognize excellence in teaching, support continued learning for all educators, and highlight the importance and impact of the profession. On December 16, the top three finalists for the district-wide recognition of Teacher of the Year were surprised at their schools with the announcement. This year’s finalists include Kat Massengill of East Ridge Middle School (center photo), Randall S. Moore of Tavares Middle School (right photo), and Michelle Deesi of Sorrento Elementary School (left photo). Learn more about these finalists. Celebration InspirED by Excellence 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