Education Foundation prepares for new school year with Apple-Mart improvements and community support
Leesburg, FL — The Education Foundation of Lake County is proud to announce and recognize the generous local sponsors supporting its 2025–2026 Apple-Mart Stores. These partnerships are an essential part of the Education Foundation’s mission to serve as the connection between the community and the Lake County School District. This year, three community partners identified the Apple-Mart stores at the heart of an opportunity to support Lake County Schools. Apple-Mart is known as the place Lake County School teachers can shop for free. Throughout the school year, the Apple- Mart locations are open once a week for the teachers to visit and pick up school supplies for their classrooms and their students. In 2024-2025, there were over 950 Apple-Mart store visits, which equate to $148,456 worth of school supplies that were distributed. The Apple-Mart store sponsors for the 2025-2026 school year include:Citizens First Bank – Leesburg locationODP Business Solutions – Mascotte locationComcast – Eustis location These sponsors will be featured at each location, in store displays, on digital platforms, and in monthly e-newsletters. “The Education Foundation is excited for the renewed energy surrounding our Apple-Mart locations,” said Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation. The Apple-Mart locations are also going digital this upcoming school year by tracking the supplies distributed and the financial impact of the three locations. “We look forward to increasing the number of teachers who visit our stores and the number of resources we are providing across the district.” The Apple-Mart stores are supported by volunteers and through donations of supplies, including the Red for Ed initiative underway throughout the month of July. “We have more than 30 businesses and community organizations joining forces to collect school supplies through the Red for Ed initiative,” shared Dr. Johnson. “Red for Ed is known as a friendly competition that encourages local businesses to collect school supplies that will fill the Education Foundation’s three Apple-Mart locations and ensure teachers and students have the resources they need to start the school year off right.” The Education Foundation will host two Pep Rallies for Public Education to weigh the collected supplies. On July 31, supplies can be dropped off from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Clermont, Florida at 2460 Hooks St. and on August 1, supplies can be dropped off at the same time in Tavares, Florida at 201 W. Burleigh St. Each of the Pep Rallies will feature a food truck and a fun environment to get ready for the next school year. “We are grateful to McCree General Contractors and Cebert Tax Service for their generous support of our Pep Rallies for Public Education,” said Kacey Edmondson, Donor Development Specialist at the Foundation. “Their commitment to supporting public education demonstrates a shared belief in the power of community to positively impact students and teachers. Their sponsorship ensures that we can continue to celebrate the incredible work happening in Lake County Schools as we kick off another successful school year.”Apple-Mart invites all community members to support participating sponsors and learn more about the program by visiting https://edfoundationlake.com/ 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 Lake County Schools: Lake County Schools is the 19th largest school district in the state of Florida, serving about 43,000 students across 50 learning sites, including traditional public schools, charter schools, a virtual school, and other specialty schools. Our mission is to provide every student with individual opportunities to excel and to prepare every student to graduate with the skills needed to succeed in post-secondary education and the workplace. For more news and information about Lake County Schools, visit www.lake.k12.fl.us.
Education Foundation Installs 2025-2027 Executive Board
Leesburg, FL — The Education Foundation of Lake County is pleased to announce the newly installed Executive Board for the 2025–2027 term, marking a special occasion in its more than years of connecting the community and public schools. The Executive Board includes: President: Matthew Hackler (Edgewater Family Wealth) Vice President: Kasey Hobbs (United Southern Bank) Treasurer: Rich Billings (Citizens First Bank, Retired) Secretary: Cindi Falanga (Citizens First Bank) Members-at-Large: Loren Vasquez (Skates Uhrik Vasquez Law) and Mike DeGraw (DeGraw Properties) Starting his term as President, Matthew Hackler shared, “I have found that the impact that the Foundation makes on Lake County public schools is far greater than I could have ever imagined. From teacher grants – funding classroom projects – to giving out thousands annually in scholarships to well deserving students, every dollar donated furthers that cause. The partnership that the Educational Foundation has with Lake County Schools cannot be understated. The Foundation’s dedicated team works hand in hand with key stakeholders in the School system to help further their mission and enhance educational opportunities for all students.” The 2025–2027 Executive Board will guide key initiatives including Teacher Impact Grants, the scholarship program, the Apple-Mart locations, community events — leveraging strong community partnerships to directly benefit classrooms in need. The Foundation, established in 1987, has a proven track record of impact—awarding over $322,000 in scholarships to Class of 2025 graduates and investing significantly in classroom resources. “We’re honored to have this exceptional group of elected leaders,” said Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Johnson. “Their expertise, dedication, and shared vision will greatly enhance our efforts to support students and educators across Lake County.” The Executive Board meets regularly in Leesburg, and all meetings are open to the public. For more information about meeting dates and Foundation programs, visit edfoundationlake.com. 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. Outgoing President, Lori Baker, with Executive Director (Dr. Elizabeth Johnson), and incoming President, Matt Hackler.
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.