Article and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
The Educational Foundation of Lake County presented its 15th Annual Stepping Out For Education Event with local dignitaries and celebrities as a local version of Dancing With The Stars. Two full entertaining performances were held at the Clermont Performing Arts Center for the benefit of teachers, students and families in Lake County Schools while enhancing CTE Programs. The Education Foundation of Lake County is ranked among the Top 50 Education Foundations in the U.S.A.
Under the direction of Executive Director Carman Cullen-Batt, the Education Foundation 
staff along with many volunteers organized a fantastic evening. Emcee Marc Robertz-Schwartz of Red Apple Media welcomed everyone with a brief history of Stepping Out for Education event, a signature fundraiser for the Education Foundation of Lake County while noting the financial success of this program. Besides honoring dignitaries and past award winners, he introduced each act while also entertaining comments from the three celebrity judges.
The professional judges included Marta Lyszkowicz, Anastasia Abramenko and Primo Garcia. Each team of dancers included a professional dance performer and a local celebrity performer. Each night was similar, yet surprisingly a bit different!
Lake County Schools Superintendant Diane Kornegay, the 2019 Mirror Ball Winner danced an encore performance with her partner, Eddie Rivera who also serves at the Creative Director for Stepping Out for Education.
2021 Celebrity Dancers & Performers: Dr. Emily Feltner is the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning & Leadership for Lake County Schools. She danced with Eddie Rivera, a professional ballroom dance instructor and choreographer who owns Dance It Studio, considered Orlando’s top ballroom dance studio.
Clermont Mayor Tim Murry danced with professional dancer, Jailene Espinosa.
Tyler Borowski is the Director for David W. Jordan, the Lake County Tax Collector. He danced with Lora Constantini, who is a physical education teacher in the Orange County School System and who previously taught as a college professor at Valencia Community College.
Jerome Brouhard, owner of Maggie’s Attic of Florida, danced with the professional performer, Hannah Pickard.
Dina Simpson is the owner of Renew Hair Salon & Day Spa in Leesburg performed with Jose Perez who is a multi-talented professional dancer, choreographer, hair designer and makeup artist.
Clermont & South Lake Representative Tim Murry worked very hard taking 20 hours of dance lessons with extra practice sessions to prepare for this big event. Murry noted, “I am happy and proud to have been selected as the local dancer from Clermont. Everyone knows that I am not a dancer. But this program is for advancing our local education, so I am excited and willing to contribute.” Murry is a Clermont native and the fifth of 12 siblings. He attended Lincoln Park School before attending Clermont High School.
Murry celebrated his birthday on the second night. Murry adds, “I really hope the Education Foundation will bring this Stepping Out Program back to Clermont again next year!” It was definitely a birthday memory and a magical moment for the Mayor.
Mirror Ball & Trophy Winners: Lake County Schools Superintendent Diane Kornegay announced the winners. Dr. Emily Feltner was awarded as the ‘Top Female Dancer’ each evening, while also being named as the overall Mirror Ball Trophy winner. Mayor Tim Murry was awarded the ‘Best Male Dancer’ both nights, based upon judges’ scores and audience participation.
Carman Cullen-Batt noted, “We were thrilled to bring this year’s Stepping Out for Education to the Clermont Performing Arts Center. Our celebrity dancers and their professional partners performed their hearts out on the Main Stage and it was obvious that the audience loved it based on the cheers and high energy in the room. Most importantly, the $26,000 raised will benefit Career and Technical Education programs in Lake County Schools, including construction, culinary, aviation and more. The State of Florida will match the total 100%. We are grateful to the many sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.
The Education Foundation of Lake County has raised over twenty-two million dollars since the inception of this program. They have helped well over 20,000 teachers and shared over $385,000 in student scholarships. This year’s presenting sponsor was The Kristin Jamieson Mortgage Team with dozens of generous sponsors and donors. Kroger Food Delivery donated all of the foods which were prepared by the chefs and staff of Lake County Schools.
The Education Foundation of Lake County Board is made up of 35 dedicated volunteers who provide expertise and many hours to the non-profit’s mission. The Executive Board includes President Joe MacLaren of Addition Financial, Vice President Lori Baker of the Baker Hampton Team at BNB Realty, Secretary Matt Hackler of Raymond James-Collier Financial Solutions, Treasurer Rich Billings of Citizens First Bank and Past President James Myers of Bowen & Schroth PA.
The first Stepping Out for Education was held in 2006 and was based on the popular television show that showcases worldwide celebrities partnered with professional ballroom dancers for an intense live competition that is broadcast around the world. The event was canceled last year due to the pandemic. It was the first time the event was held at the Clermont Performing Arts Center.
For Donations, Sponsorships & More Information: Make checks payable to: Education Foundation of Lake County, 2045 Pruitt Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. Call: 352-326-1265, email Cullen-BattC@lake.k12.fl.us. Visit: https://edfoundationlake.com/
MAGICAL MOMENTS AND MEMORIES OF THE 2021 STEPPING OUT FOR EDUCATION
