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.
