Supporting Teacher Recruitment & Retention through Matching Grant Program
The Education Foundation of Lake County proudly celebrated the inaugural graduating class of Lake-Sumter State College’s Bachelor’s in Elementary Education program at the Lake County School Board meeting on May 11, recognizing the graduates’ commitment to serving students and strengthening the future of education in Lake and Sumter Counties. The inaugural class included 23 graduates, 91% of whom completed a paid internship experience while maintaining an overall 3.57 GPA at Lake-Sumter State College. Collectively, the graduates impacted more than 1,500 K-12 students across Lake and Sumter Counties during their internship experiences. Of the 23 graduates, 19 students served in Lake County Schools across 10 different schools during the spring semester. In recognition of the graduates’ accomplishments and their service to the school district, the Education Foundation provided financial support to cover the costs of the students’ final semester, specifically their internship credit hours. The Education Foundation is proud to reduce financial barriers for future educators entering the profession. The students participated in a full-time internship Monday through Friday, assuming full classroom responsibilities under the guidance of supervising teachers and Lake-Sumter State College internship coordinators. Lake County School’s Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment department partnered with Lake-Sumter State College to place the students and pair them with site supervisors. Throughout the internship experience, students were responsible for lesson planning, grading, collaborating with colleagues, and working directly with families. They gained hands-on experience in all aspects of the teaching profession. Program outcomes highlighted the impact of the internship experience: The Education Foundation of Lake County’s support was made possible because of the 2025-2026 State of Florida’s School District Education Foundation Matching Grant facilitated by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. The foundation’s ability to leverage a 1:1 match for business, philanthropic and individual contributions to innovate learning and provide impactful support for our students and teachers is incredibly powerful for local fundraising efforts. “This program aligns closely with the mission of the Education Foundation to connect the community to public education,” said Elizabeth Johnson of the Education Foundation of Lake County. “We are proud to support initiatives that attract, develop, and retain quality educators who will positively impact students throughout the school district.” The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations has received legislative matching funds which provide a dollar-for-dollar incentive for local education foundations to raise private contributions for eligible projects for more than 20 years. Since the inception of the program, more than $173 million in combined private and state dollars has been provided for local projects that serve students, literacy initiatives, encourage STEM and career/technical education, increase classroom innovation, support teachers, and/or increase graduation rates. The Consortium is the membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local education foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium connects individuals, organizations, and financial resources to build the capacity and effectiveness of local education foundations throughout the state in achieving student success. To learn more about the Consortium and the statewide impact of the program, visit www.educationfoundationsfl.org. For more information about the Education Foundation of Lake County, scholarship opportunities, and how you can support the students and teachers of Lake County Schools, visit Education Foundation of Lake County.
More than 80 Scholarships Distributed at 2026 Scholars & Supporters Breakfast
The Education Foundation of Lake County’s Scholars and Supporters Breakfast on April 29 at the Venetian Center in Leesburg was filled with celebration of student achievement and community generosity. Insight Financial served as the event’s presenting sponsor which brought together scholarship recipients, donors, educators, families, and community leaders from across Lake and Sumter Counties. The morning program recognized an outstanding group of students, including 53 Education Foundation scholarship recipients and 29 Take Stock in Children seniors from across Lake and Sumter counties. The support totaled more than $250,000 for students as they continue their education and pursue their career goals. The breakfast highlighted both the accomplishments of local students and the impact of community partnerships that make scholarship opportunities possible. One of the most meaningful moments of the event was the opportunity for scholarship donors to sit alongside the students receiving their scholarships. The gathering allowed donors and recipients to connect personally and celebrate the life-changing opportunities made possible through educational investment and community support. The keynote address was delivered by Kathy Stone of the Mike Stone Memorial Scholarship. Stone shared an inspiring message about the importance of education, scholarship, perseverance, and giving back to the community. Her remarks encouraged students to continue pursuing excellence while remembering the value of serving others and investing in future generations. Two previous scholarship recipients, Hailey Bladek and Gabriel Montgomery, also shared the impact of the financial support on their journey. The Education Foundation of Lake County continues to connect students with opportunities that inspire academic success, career readiness, and community engagement throughout Lake County and surrounding areas. For more information about the Education Foundation of Lake County, scholarship opportunities, and how you can support the students and teachers of Lake County Schools, visit Education Foundation of Lake County. The scholarship application opens January 1 annually.
Education Foundation of Lake County Celebrates Community Impact
The Education Foundation of Lake County proudly honored the volunteers, mentors, business partners, and community leaders who strengthen public education during the 2026 Volunteer Recognition Reception held April 28 at the Venetian Center in Leesburg, Florida. The evening brought together school district leaders, community partners, mentors, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate the individuals whose service and dedication continue to make a meaningful difference for students across Lake and Sumter Counties. Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Lake County, welcomed guests and reflected on the Foundation’s mission of connecting the community with public education through partnerships, volunteerism, and student support programs. The Education Foundation celebrated 94 dedicated mentors, more than 1,500 mentoring sessions, nearly 300 community members involved with the Education Foundation’s initiatives, and over 2,250 hours of volunteering. The program featured remarks from 2025 Lake County Schools Youth Volunteer of the Year Reese Ponds, now a pre-nursing student at the University of Florida. Ponds spoke about the lasting impact volunteering has on both individuals and communities, encouraging attendees to continue serving and supporting students. During the reception, the Education Foundation recognized the 2026 Lake County School District Volunteers of the Year: The event also highlighted the transformative impact of mentoring through the Foundation’s Take Stock in Children program. Lavonte Rogers, a 2011 graduate of South Lake High School and former Take Stock in Children student, shared his personal story of perseverance and the life-changing influence of mentorship. This year’s Take Stock in Children Mentors of the Year were: Guests heard from community leader, and Education Foundation volunteer, Yolanda Green, who delivered remarks on the importance of service and community engagement in strengthening Lake County. The Education Foundation recognized Dance It Studio as the 2026 Business Partner of the Year for more than 15 years of support and involvement with the Foundation’s signature fundraiser, Stepping Out for Education. The evening concluded with recognition of two outstanding leaders whose service has significantly impacted the Foundation and local education initiatives: Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized the importance of partnerships, mentorship, and volunteerism in helping students succeed and building a stronger community. “The impact of our volunteers and partners reaches far beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Johnson. “Their service strengthens our schools, supports our educators, and creates opportunities that help students thrive.” Special thanks were extended to event sponsors Mercy Lab Foundation and Citizens First Bank for supporting the celebration. Photos are available on Facebook. For more information about the Education Foundation of Lake County and its programs, visit Education Foundation of Lake County.
Celebrating 2026 Lasting Legacies
The Education Foundation of Lake County and Lake County Schools celebrated the lasting impact of alumni, educators, and retirees during the annual Lasting Legacy Celebration. This event also recognized the district’s Lake County Schools Alumni Hall of Fame honorees. The evening brought together district leadership, educators, retirees, alumni, community partners, and supporters to honor individuals whose dedication and accomplishments have strengthened Lake County Schools and inspired generations of students. Superintendent Diane Kornegay led the Alumni Hall of Fame recognition, celebrating graduates who have distinguished themselves professionally while continuing to reflect the values of Lake County Schools. The 2026 Lake County Schools Alumni Hall of Fame inductees included: The celebration also honored the district’s retirees for their years of dedicated service to students and schools across Lake County. Special recognition was given to James Banks for 38.75 years of service and Sharon Eslick for more than 41 years of instructional service, primarily at Mount Dora High School. Guests also heard inspiring remarks from keynote speaker and LCS retiree, Linda Shepard-Miller, who encouraged attendees to continue investing in students, schools, and the future of the community. The event was supported by sponsor Insight Credit Union, along with National Life Group and Bencor as well as several local business partners who contributed raffle prizes and event support. Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that the legacy of education is built through service, mentorship, leadership, and community investment. The Education Foundation of Lake County continues to support that mission through scholarships, classroom support, volunteerism, and programs that create opportunities for students across Lake County. For more information about the Education Foundation of Lake County and its programs, visit Education Foundation of Lake County.