August 5, 2026
On the Scene: Every Move at the Educational Foundation of Lake County’s 20th annual “Stepping Out for Education” Made a Difference
By Nicole Hamel
On the Scene: Every Move at the Educational Foundation of Lake County’s 20th annual “Stepping Out for Education” Made a Difference
The beloved Stepping Out for Education celebrated its 20th anniversary with an unforgettable two-night dance competition featuring an exciting new twist—pairing All-Stars with Rising Stars for dazzling performances in this year’s ‘Velvet & Vinyl’ themed event.
Eight local celebrities took to the dance floor alongside eight professional dancers after just 20 hours of rehearsal, showcasing remarkable dedication, talent and community spirit. Both evenings opened with energetic performances by student dancers from East Ridge High School and Lake Minneola High School.
Additionally, the showcases were emceed by former Stepping Out for Education participant and Educational Foundation Board member Marc Robertz-Scwartz, alongside Sheriff Payton Grinnell, whose enthusiasm and charisma kept the audience energized and laughing out loud both nights.
A highlight of the celebration was the 2026 Scott A. Strong Business Partner of the Year Award, presented to Dance It Studio’s Eddie Rivera, this year’s Creative Director for the Stepping Out event. The recognition focused on Eddie’s outstanding commitment and support for the Educational Foundation.
Friday and Saturday Night Winners
- Top Rising Star: Dr. Stephanie Luke
- Top All-Star: Sharon Nobles
- Audience Choice Award: Dr. Stephanie Luke
Beyond the excitement on the dance floor, the event made a lasting impact on local education. The Educational Foundation raised $258,000 through generous donations and sponsorships. With an additional $110,000 provided through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Matching Grant Program, the event surpassed its fundraising goal, generating more than $368,000 to support educational initiatives throughout the community.
Nicole, born and raised in Maine, is an award-winning photographer with more than 15 years of professional experience. After relocating to Kentucky, she began her career photographing military families and volunteering with several organizations, including Operation Homefront (Tennessee/Kentucky Chapter), the American Red Cross, and the Wounded Warriors Project. While living in Hawaii, Nicole worked as a historical photographer, documenting the Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam community and its surrounding areas. In 2015, Nicole settled in Florida and joined Akers Media Group as a freelance photographer.
Through dedication and consistent excellence, she advanced to Chief Photographer. Her contributions earned her MVP of the Year in 2020 and Employee of the Year in 2023, recognizing both her hard work and commitment to her craft. After eight years of working for Akers, she can now add published writer to her list of accomplishments. Outside of her professional work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her two children, Dylan and Olivia. Her interests include underwater photography, crafting, reading, gardening, traveling, and experiencing life firsthand.
