Lake Technical College recently welcomed students from South Lake High School and Umatilla High School for an immersive field trip designed to connect classroom instruction with real-world career pathways in advanced manufacturing and engineering. The initiative provided students with hands-on exposure to technical training programs, as well as industry site visits with local manufacturing partners. Please find the attached press release titled “Lake Technical College Hosts First-Ever Manufacturing & Engineering Field Trip for High School Students.”

This event highlights Lake Technical College’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and strengthening partnerships between education and industry, while preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers.

We invite you to review the attached release for full details. For additional information, interview requests, or media inquiries, please contact Kimberly Frazier at (352) 589-2250 Ext. 1842 or FrazierK@lake.k12.fl.us.

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Lake Technical College, the region’s premier provider of workforce education and career training, is inviting the community to explore their future at the Spring 2026 Career TechXpo Open Houses. 

These dynamic events give prospective students the opportunity to step inside Lake Tech’s industry-driven training programs, meet expert instructors, tour cutting-edge facilities, and experience firsthand how Lake Tech prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers. 

Attendees will explore more than 30 workforce programs designed to launch a career quickly—many in as little as one year. Guests will also have the chance to interact with current students, see industry equipment in action, and speak directly with faculty and staff about career pathways 

Lake Technical College, the region’s premier provider of workforce education and career training, is inviting the community to explore their future at the Spring 2026 Career TechXpo Open Houses. 

These dynamic events give prospective students the opportunity to step inside Lake Tech’s industry-driven training programs, meet expert instructors, tour cutting-edge facilities, and experience firsthand how Lake Tech prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers. 

Attendees will explore more than 30 workforce programs designed to launch a career quickly—many in as little as one year. Guests will also have the chance to interact with current students, see industry equipment in action, and speak directly with faculty and staff about career pathways. 

Lake Tech’s Admissions, Financial Aid, and Business Office teams will also be on-site to guide visitors through the application and enrollment process. 

As an added bonus, attendees will be entered for a chance to win a $500 tuition scholarship toward their training. 

Three opportunities to explore your future: 

• Monday, April 6, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM o Main Campus – 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis, FL 32726. Explore a wide variety of career programs including healthcare, construction trades, culinary arts, information technology, and more. 

• Monday, April 13, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM o Institute of Public Safety – 1565 Ken Bragg Way, Tavares (formerly Lane Park Cut Off Road). Experience Lake Tech’s renowned public safety programs including the Firefighter/EMT Combination Program, Florida Law Enforcement Academy, and Corrections Officer Training. 

o Transportation Innovation Hub – 950 Captain Haynes Rd, Tavares. Tour Lake Tech’s newest workforce training center featuring cutting-edge programs such as Diesel Systems Technician and Master Automotive Service Technology, preparing the next generation of transportation and fleet technicians. 

Executive Director DeAnna Thomas shared the excitement surrounding the event: “Career TechXpo is one of my favorite events because it allows future students to see what is truly possible. At Lake Tech, we don’t just train students—we prepare them to enter the workforce with confidence and real skills. Visitors will experience our programs in action, meet the incredible instructors who lead them, and see the state-of-the-art equipment our students train on every day. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a meaningful career, this is the place to start.” 

Don’t just imagine your future—experience it! The event is FREE, but we encourage guests to register through Eventbrite to secure your spot! Register here for our Main Campus Open House or our Institute of Public Safety and Transportation Innovation Hub Open House. 

Lake Technical College is a public, post-secondary institution that offers high quality training for over 30 career and technical programs, as well as, adult education classes for GED and ESOL. The main campus is located at 2001 Kurt St., Eustis. The Institute of Public Safety is located at 1565 Ken Bragg Way, Tavares. Visit the website www.laketech.org, or call (352) 589-2250 for more information. 

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The new ESOL class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30–8:30 pm., beginning January 13, and is offered at an affordable cost of only $55 per semester. There are also scholarships available to those who qualify. Adults who participate will build English skills to support their children academically, access new career opportunities, and strengthen communication in everyday life. 

“Expanding ESOL opportunities in our community is one more way we fulfill our mission to lift families through education,” said DeAnna Thomas, Executive Director of Lake Technical College. “Partnering with Lake County Schools to bring classes directly into neighborhoods removes barriers and empowers parents to better support their children while advancing their own goals. This is workforce education at its best—practical, accessible, and life-changing.” 

The partnership with Oak Park Middle School allows Lake Technical College to bring adult education directly to a school campus where many families already feel connected and supported. The accessible evening schedule makes it possible for working adults to attend without disrupting employment or family routines. 

Support your student, build your future, and open new doors— contact admissions today to register at 352-589-2250 ext. 1819 or visit www.laketech.org. The free application is available online in 9 different languages. 

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The COE Commission is a nationally recognized accrediting authority responsible for ensuring quality, integrity, and continuous improvement across career and technical education institutions in the United States. Commissioners are selected based on professional expertise, leadership experience, and demonstrated commitment to excellence in workforce training. Thomas’ reappointment is a significant acknowledgment of her leadership not only at Lake Tech, but within the broader field of workforce education. Her work has helped shape statewide and national conversations on high-quality technical training, student success pathways, and partnerships that fuel economic growth. 

Under Thomas’ leadership, Lake Technical College has become a premier model for workforce development—strengthening programs in various critical sectors. Her strategic approach focuses on building strong industry partnerships, expanding training capacity, and ensuring programs remain aligned with the evolving needs of Central Florida’s employers. 

“DeAnna’s reappointment reflects the respect she has earned across the country for her leadership in career and technical education and workforce development,” said Richard Keith, Chair of the Lake Technical College Board of Directors. “Her vision and tenacity have elevated Lake Tech to new heights, and this continued service on the COE Commission only deepens the positive impact she brings to our community.” 

Her role on the COE Commission allows her to bring this hands-on expertise to the national stage. At the same time, it gives Lake Tech a direct voice in the accreditation and quality standards that shape technical colleges across the country. “It is an honor to continue serving on the COE Commission,” said Thomas. “This work directly supports the mission of ensuring high-quality workforce education nationwide, and it strengthens the standards that guide our programs at Lake Tech. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute at a national level while continuing to champion the students, employers, and communities we serve here at home.” 

Thomas will continue to support COE’s mission of maintaining rigorous standards for career-focused institutions while advancing Lake Tech’s vision of preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers. 

Lake Technical College is a public, post-secondary institution that offers high quality training for over 30 career and technical programs, as well as, adult education classes for GED and ESOL. The main campus is located at 2001 Kurt St., Eustis. The Institute of Public Safety is located at 1565 Lane Park Cutoff, Tavares. Visit the website www.laketech.org, or call (352) 589-2250 for more information. 

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• Roneta Barenz – Accounting Operations 

• Cenia Puentes – Medical Assisting 

• Alexa Portillo – Automotive Collision Technology 

• Kyleah Schnaufer– Cosmetology 

• Vitali Griffin – Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration 

• Tyler Hodak – Diesel Systems Technician 1 

• Rhiana Rowley– Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality 

• Alyssa Guthridge – Veterinary Assisting 

• Frantzo Bonhomme – Beginner English for Speakers of Other Languages 

• Pasha Burnette – Pharmacy Technician 

• Zhalma Vega – Practical Nursing 

• Gregory Stickley – Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician – Combined 

• Ryan Woodward – Welding Technology 

• Jason Tyler Jones – Master Automotive Service Technology 1 

• Travis Mather – Florida Law Enforcement Academy 

• Harrison Martin – Computer Systems & Information Technology 

These students were nominated by their instructors for their exceptional academic performance, strong work ethic, positive attitudes, and active involvement in both school and the community. Each Student of the Month will be honored with a certificate of achievement, a festive balloon arrangement, and a delicious lunch prepared by Lake Tech’s talented culinary team. 

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• Myah Seraphin – Accounting Operations 

• Catherine Carter – Practical Nursing 

• Taylor Wolf – Cosmetology 

• Rebecca Hicks – Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality 

• Adolfo Rodriguez– Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration 

• Billy McKinney – Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician – Combined 

• Diego Silguero – Adult Education 

These students were nominated by their instructors for going above and beyond—showing outstanding academic achievement, a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and active involvement in both school and community activities. As a reward for their hard work, our Students of the Month will be celebrated with a certificate of achievement, a festive balloon arrangement, and a delicious lunch prepared by Lake Tech’s incredible culinary team. 

Lake Technical College is a public, post-secondary institution that offers high quality training for over 30 career and technical programs, as well as adult education classes for GED and ESOL. The main campus is located at 2001 Kurt St., Eustis. The Institute of Public Safety is located at 1565 Ken Bragg Way, Tavares.

Visit the website www.laketech.org or call (352) 589-2250 for more information. 

month, instructors nominate students who demonstrate exceptional effort, leadership, and professionalism both in and out of the classroom.

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On October 18th, Lake Technical College, along with Lake County Schools celebrated the official opening of a new Clermont campus with a ribbon cutting. The Lincoln Park Education Center, located in Clermont at 680 East Highland Avenue, was once occupied by Clermont Elementary School.  The site has realized a gradual transition since the elementary school was closed and moved to the new Aurelia Cole Academy on Pitt Street in 2022.

Local native and current resident Sharon Keys has played a vital role in preserving the campus that was originally the home of the Lincoln Park School. The school, which was established in 1937, was once a 1^st through 12^th grade school during the time of segregation. The all-black student and staff school, once located on Fifth Street near Broome Street in Clermont, became a prominent part of local history when desegregation took place in the 1960’s. Much of the school’s history, such as its team mascot, the “Lincoln Park Rams,” would be lost in time.

Sharon remembers hearing of the planned demolition of the school and its original buildings in 2019 while attending the annual Martin Luther King Day festivities. “Several of us were sitting at a picnic table while enjoying the MLK event. The subject of the school came up and we decided to try and do something to stop the demolition”. Sharon Keys, Paula Hoisington, Pastors Brian Broadway, Darryl Church, Tim Moses, Mayor Tim Murry decided to set up a meeting and see what they could do. “The Lincoln Park Impact Committee was soon born to repurpose the school into a community center.  Later many more individuals, including Shannon O’Mara Herrera, Kassier Murry and Cleamstine Caples” were added to the committee”, says Sharon.

The Lincoln Park Impact Committee soon became a 501c-3, non-profit organization, changing its title to the Lincoln Park South Lake Alliance (LPSLA). The organization was formed in 2020 with a mission plan to provide outreach to community needs and projects and preserve the Lincoln Park community history, including the Lincoln Park School grounds.

Although the community center idea has not been lost, agreements and proposals eventually led to the creation of the Lincoln Park Education Center (LPEC). The LPEC is an extension of Lake Technical College. Phase 1 of the LPEC, which houses Lake County Schools’ new flex school program, has officially opened. The school offers a flexible schedule, dual enrollment opportunities, community education programs, and blended learning options for students. General Education Development (GED) preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes will launch in January 2025.

Phase 2, which will bring Lake Technical College to the center, is set to begin renovations before the end of this year. The current gymnasium, which dates to the original Lincoln Park school, will be transformed into a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and electrician programs training area slated for opening in the early part of 2025. “This is set to become a synergistic hub of workforce innovation in the South Lake Community,” says Lake Tech Executive Director DeAnna Thomas.

https://youtu.be/JygYs8glI5E

“Plans continue for the community center. We have not given up on the idea of a community center in the area that will serve all the South Lake community,” says Sharon Keys. Preliminary plans include a possible location at McKinney Park located on Bloxam Avenue. The park is directly across the street from the LPEC and was once home to the Lincoln Park Rams football field.  

The Lincoln Park Education Center is a partnership between Lake County Schools, Lake Technical College, and Lake-Sumter State College. Please visit www.LakeTech.org for a full listing of programs offered.

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Lake Technical College is excited to invite you to the Career TechXpo open house which will be held at the Lake Technical College main campus in Eustis, FL, on Monday, October 21, 2024! Join us to explore over 30 high-wage, high-skill workforce training programs designed to set you up for a successful “Career in a Year!”. At TechXpo, you’ll have the chance to meet industry experts, tour our in-demand programs, chat with current students, try out hands-on activities, and ask any questions you may have. 

Executive Director DeAnna Thomas states, “TechXpo is a fantastic chance for potential students to explore the exciting career certificate and applied technology diploma programs available at Lake Tech. It’s all about connecting with faculty, touring our facilities, seeing industry equipment up close, and experiencing the programs in action. Many people have no idea about the various career paths and opportunities available to them, and this event can help spark that awareness.” 

Our Admissions, Financial Aid, and Business Office teams will be on hand to help you navigate the application and enrollment process. Plus, just for attending the TechXpo, you’ll have a chance to win a $500 scholarship toward your tuition! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity—it could be a game-changer. 

Don’t just imagine your possibilities—experience them! We’d love to see you there on October 21st from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Lake Technical College Main Campus located at 2001 Kurt Street, 32726, Eustis, Florida. The event is FREE, but we recommend registering through Eventbrite to secure your spot! 

Lake Technical College is a public, post-secondary institution that offers high quality training for over 30 career and technical programs, as well as, adult education classes for GED and ESOL. The main campus is located at 2001 Kurt St., Eustis. The Institute of Public Safety is located at 1565 Ken Bragg Way, Tavares. Visit the website www.laketech.org, or call (352) 589-2250 for more information. 

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Ken Bragg, a longtime Lake County resident and the inaugural director of the Lake County Area Vocational Technical Center, played a crucial role in securing the initial funding to establish the public safety campus in 1993. Thanks to the dedication and support from local and state legislators, Lake Technical College has recently been awarded $3.5 million to enhance the campus with state-of-the-art instructional labs and classrooms for its public safety programs. “This expansion is vital for our public safety training efforts and will significantly enhance our ability to serve the community,” stated Chief Richard Keith, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Lake Technical College. 

In a heartfelt tribute, Lane Park Cutoff Road, which runs in front of the Institute of Public Safety, has been officially renamed by the Lake County Government to Ken Bragg Way. The dedication ceremony brought together numerous state, county, and city leaders, as well as family and friends, who shared touching stories and memories of Ken Bragg. Jerry Cobb, a Lake Technical College Board Member and alumni reflected on Bragg’s influence, stating, “Ken believed in me, encouraged me to teach, and told me if teaching wasn’t for me, I could hand in my keys… and I did just that, 21 years later after I retired from Lake Tech.” His daughter, Beth Bragg Henon, shared heart-filled, emotional memories of her father telling Lake Tech stories around the dinner table and how his passion for Lake Tech, Lake County, and the future of our workforce is what inspired him and still inspires him. During the ceremony, DeAnna Thomas, the current Executive Director of Lake Technical College, spoke about her journey as a career dual-enrolled high school student at Lake Tech. She credited the opportunity she and other students received as a direct result of Bragg’s efforts. 

As a lasting tribute, a plaque honoring Ken Bragg’s extensive contributions to technical education in Lake County was unveiled. This plaque will be prominently displayed on the exterior entrance wall of the Institute of Public Safety Campus, serving as a reminder of his legacy and the impact of his advocacy and efforts in Lake County. 

Attached are some photos of the event and rendering of the Institute of Public Safety expansion. For further information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with DeAnna Thomas, Executive Director, Lake Technical College, (352) 589-2250. 

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Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have not only brought them to this point but also promise to enhance the safety and well-being of the Lake County community. 

Congratulations to –

• Tyler Kousaie
• Carlos de la Cruz
• Blake Stevens
• Justin Underwood
• Jeremy Shiner
• Maximus Ruiz
• Pedro Costa
• Justin McLees
• Jordan Rhen
• Cody Combs
• Jeffrey Sacco Jr.

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