Education Foundation Awards Scholarships to Outstanding Graduating Seniors
Investing in the Future of the Class of 2025Leesburg, FL — The Education Foundation of Lake County, the direct support organization for Lake County Schools, proudly awarded a total of $322,562 in scholarships to outstanding graduates from the Class of 2025. This includes $79,900 from 18 different scholarships presented to 63 students, as well as Florida Prepaid 2-Year College Plans valued at $207,900, awarded to 33 graduates of the Take Stock in Children program. This total also reflects our continued investment in student success through the ongoing distribution of previously awarded, multi-year scholarships for recipients from prior graduating classes. These scholarships, made possible through the generosity of local donors, businesses, and community partners, recognize students for their academic achievements, leadership, community involvement, and aspirations for higher education. This year’s awards reflect the community’s ongoing commitment to helping young people succeed beyond high school.“Scholarships are a way to invest in our leaders of tomorrow and our future workforce. The scholarships awarded to the graduating seniors support their pursuit of post-secondary education, certificates, and credentials that will benefit them and our community,” said Dr. Elizabeth M. Johnson, Executive Director. Every scholarship donor and selection review committee plays a pivotal role in the success of the senior scholarship season. Many scholarships are based on academic merit, community volunteerism while others are needs based. These opportunities are a testament to the belief that every student deserves the chance to pursue their goals with confidence and support. “Our scholarship donors are the true champions behind every student’s story,” said Kacey Edmondson, Development Director and Scholarship Administrator for the Foundation. “Their investment in our students doesn’t just impact a single moment—it creates opportunities that last beyond high school.” These scholar graduates were all celebrated at their high school’s Senior Awards Ceremonies, where students are recognized alongside donors, school leaders, and community supporters. Leesburg High School Graduate Barath Balaji had this to say “I’m really grateful to the Education Foundation of Lake County for the opportunity to apply for multiple scholarships. Being selected means a lot and will help me graduate debt free!” “This scholarship means more to me than just financial support; it is a reflection of the values I hold dear—community, perseverance, and the belief that we can make a positive impact on others.” said recipient Aran Cross from Eustis High School. “As I pursue my degree in physical therapy, I am excited to continue giving back and making a difference in the lives of those around me.” Every year the Education Foundation opens their scholarship application cycle on January 1st. The application window is usually open for 60 days where more than 350 students typically apply. Looking ahead, they hope to add more scholarships for the Class of 2026. Whether you are a student seeking to apply or you want to establish a scholarship for graduates, more information can be found at https://edfoundationlake.com/scholarships or by contact EFLC at 352.326.1265. About the Education Foundation of Lake CountyEstablished in 1987, 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 of Lake County Continues Commitment to Transparency
Earns GuideStar’s Highest Seal of Transparency: Platinum LEESBURG – Education Foundation of Lake County has earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, a service of Candid. By sharing metrics highlighting the progress Education Foundation of Lake County is making toward its mission, the organization can communicate and share its full and complete story with a global audience that can truly understand the organization’s mission, tactics and results. “It is a continued priority to be transparent about our work,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of Education Foundation of Lake County. “By updating our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile to the Platinum level, we can now easily share our goals, priorities, and impact with our supporters. Additionally, we can ensure we are providing up-to-date information with GuideStar’s immense online audience, which includes donors, grant makers, our peers, and the media.” To reach the Platinum level, Education Foundation of Lake County added extensive information to its Nonprofit Profile on GuideStar: basic contact and organizational information; in-depth financial information; qualitative information about goals, strategies, and capabilities; and quantitative information about results and progress toward its mission. By taking the time to provide this information, Education Foundation of Lake County has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and to giving donors and funders meaningful data to evaluate nonprofit performance. About the Education Foundation of Lake CountyEstablished in 1987, 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. About GuideStar Nonprofit ProfilesIn February 2019, GuideStar joined forces with Foundation Center to form Candid, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Today, GuideStar is a service of Candid. The GuideStar database contains a profile for every tax-exempt nonprofit registered with the IRS. The profiles are populated with information directly from nonprofits, the IRS, and other partners in the nonprofit sector. Candid encourages every nonprofit to claim and update its profile at no cost to the organization. Updating allows nonprofits to share a wealth of up-to-date information with the millions of people who visit guidestar.org to learn more about nonprofit organizations each year. To reach a given participation level, organizations must complete all required fields for that level. The GuideStar participation levels, acknowledged as symbols of transparency in the nonprofit sector, are displayed on all updated participants’ profiles in the GuideStar database. GuideStar.org About CandidEvery year, millions of nonprofits spend trillions of dollars around the world. Candid finds out where that money comes from, where it goes, and why it matters. Through research, collaboration, and training, Candid connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to do it. Candid’s data tools on nonprofits, foundations, and grants are the most comprehensive in the world. Find out more at Candid.org.