News Features

Zeller Gift Benefits Eustis Schools

From Elizabeth Johnson - Executive Director Education Foundation of Lake County

   Eustis resident and retired physician, Dr. William Zeller, has donated $30,000 to four local Eustis schools, benefiting more than 5,000 students at Eustis High School, Eustis Heights Elementary, Eustis Elementary, and Eustis Middle School. School principals accepted the donations on December 15, 2025 at a small gathering with Dr. Zeller.
   Dr. Zeller, who practiced family medicine in Eustis for over 40 years, requested that funds support financial literacy initiatives in addition to school-identified priorities. Some of their funding needs included classroom manipulatives, a student ambassador program, civic experiences, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) resources, and weight room enhancements.
   Lake Technical College students, Hailey Burke (Cosmetology) and Devon Wright (HVAC), were present for the recognition as recipients of this yearâ?Ts Zeller scholarship. A longtime advocate for education, Dr. Zeller also endowed the William V. and Mary L. Penny Zeller Scholarship in 2022 to benefit students attending Lake Technical College. Seven scholarships have been awarded to date. The donation was made through a qualified charitable donation (QCD) allowing Dr. Zeller to support local schools while meeting retirement withdrawal requirements.
   Established in 1987, the Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and designated direct support organization for Lake County Schools. Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education. The Education Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefit of students and teachers in Lake County Public Schools.
   The Education Foundation of Lake County is ranked among the Top 50 Education Foundations in the United States by the Caruthers Institute. For more info, please visit EdFoundationLake.com.