The Education Foundation of Lake County announced the six local celebrities selected to entertain and inspire at the 19th Annual Stepping Out for Education ballroom dance competition.

This local version of Dancing with the Stars will take place at the Venetian Center in Leesburg on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26 and features two evenings filled with dance, community spirit and charitable giving.

This year’s featured celebrity dancers are:

• Justin Allender, VP Commercial Loan Officer, First National Bank of Mount Dora

• Allyson Berry, Commissioner District 1, City of Leesburg

• West Germeroth, Sales & Project Manager, Lake Jem Farms, LLC

• Ariel Rolon, Sr. Project Manager, Wharton-Smith, Inc.

• Marlene Straughan, Regional Executive Director, Region 1, Lake County Schools

• Ericka Wright, AVP Branch Manager Leesburg, Addition Financial

Each dancer will receive 20 hours of professional ballroom instruction to prepare for the competition. Guests will be treated to a four-course meal, wine and beer bar and the opportunity to vote for their favorite dancer.

The event will open with an encore performance from the 2024 Mirror Ball winner, Dr. Terri Pfister Soos, of Lake County Schools. Throughout the evening, professional judges will name the top male and female dancer each night. The overall 2025 Mirror Ball winner will be determined by a combination of audience votes.

Proceeds from Stepping Out for Education benefit the Education Foundation of Lake County, supporting teachers, students and innovative programs throughout the district.

Tickets will be available soon at www.edfoundationlake.com