The South Lake Chamber of Commerce, a dedicated non-profit supporting the local business community, hosted its monthly breakfast on Friday, August 16, at the Clermont City Center. The event was marked by the presence of Lake County’s leading educational figures, who shared insights into the upcoming school year and beyond.
The keynote speakers included Dr. Heather Bigard, President of Lake-Sumter State College; DeAnna Thomas, Executive Director of Lake Technical College; and Diane Kornegay, Superintendent of Lake County Schools. These distinguished women, each a trailblazer in her own right, are at the forefront of shaping education in the region.
Dr. Heather Bigard, the seventh president of Lake-Sumter State College and the first woman to hold this position, spoke about the college’s recent successes. Under her leadership, the college has seen a significant increase in student enrollment. She also highlighted the LakeWorks pathway, a partnership program with Lake Technical College designed to create seamless educational opportunities for students.
DeAnna Thomas, with nearly 18 years of service at Lake Technical College, discussed her role as Executive Director and her passion for helping students achieve their career aspirations. Her commitment to student success has been a driving force behind the college’s growth and its positive impact on the community.
Diane Kornegay, Superintendent of Lake County Schools since 2016, shared her vision for the future of education in the county. With advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Education from the University of North Florida, Diane has been instrumental in enhancing educational programs and services to better meet the needs of local students.
The breakfast was sponsored by Brian Broadway of Find, Feed & Restore, a non-profit offering housing solutions for families with children, including Housing First, Affordable Housing, and Homelessness Avoidance. Attendees were encouraged to visit their website to learn more about their initiatives.
Nancy Srodes of Project Scholars – Pig on the Pond, Inc. also took the stage to discuss the organization’s mission. Each year, Project Scholars awards $10,000 scholarships to four deserving students from South Lake County, funded through the annual Pig on the Pond Community Festival. The event is scheduled for October 11-13 at Waterfront Park.
Roshni Graydus of Apex Health Direct Primary Care, the event’s co-sponsor, emphasized the importance of long-term wellness and personalized healthcare. She invited attendees to learn more about their services by visiting the Apex Health DPC website.
The breakfast provided a valuable platform for community leaders to connect, collaborate, and discuss the future of education and wellness in Lake County.
