Pig on the Pond Community Festival

06/02/2026

The smoke has cleared, the music has faded, and the memories are still going strong. 🐷🎶 Pig on the Pond 2026 was something special -- and it's all thanks to YOU.

From the incredible food and live entertainment to the community spirit that filled Clermont's waterfront all weekend long, this festival reminded us why we do this every year.

Every ticket, every bite, every dollar raised goes directly toward Project Scholars scholarships and the next generation of Lake County students chasing their dreams. Thank you, Clermont. See you next year. 🙌

06/01/2026

Thank you, Lake and Sumter Style Magazine, for highlighting our event! You can read the entire June issue here: https://issuu.com/akersmedia/docs/style_magazine_june_2026

05/12/2026

05/12/2026

Meet the reason we believe in what's next. Our 2026 Project Scholars — Adelaide, Abbigail, Isabella, and Shireen — gathered with mentors, board members, and community partners at this year's scholars meet and greet, and the energy in the room said it all.

Board member Angela Ratter took a moment to recognize each scholar individually, highlighting a thread that runs through all four of them: drive, determination, and a genuine focus on giving back to their communities. If this is who is leading the next generation, the future is very bright indeed.

A huge thank you to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital and Publix for making the evening possible, and to Kim E's Flowers for the gorgeous floral arrangements.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Pig on the Pond! 🐷💐

To every mom in the South Lake community — thank you for showing up, cheering loud, and making every moment count. Whether you're the one who drags the whole crew to the festival every year or the one who finally agreed to try the BBQ (and loved it 😄), today is YOUR day.

We celebrate you the way you celebrate us — with full hearts and a whole lot of love.

Wishing every mama a day as special as you are. 💛

05/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Adelaide Owusu! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that Adelaide has been awarded the Project Scholars (Pig on the Pond) Scholarship! 🎓✨

Adelaide is a senior at Lake Minneola High School who has built one of the most impressive records we've seen — a 5.0 weighted GPA, 48 dual enrollment credit hours, AP Scholar with Distinction, Summa Cum Laude, and acceptances to the University of Miami, University of Florida, Florida State University, and more.

But Adelaide's story goes far beyond grades. From living in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a child, to serving as NHS Vice President, to logging 176+ hours of community service with organizations like Harbour Hope International and Clean the World — she has shown the kind of character that truly defines a scholar.

She is headed to college to study Finance, with a dream of one day founding a nonprofit humanitarian organization to support women and children in conflict-affected nations in Africa.

Adelaide, your community is so proud of you. The world is waiting!

05/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Abbigail Hightower! 🎉

We are so proud to announce that Abbigail has been awarded the Project Scholars (Pig on the Pond) Scholarship! 🎓✨

Abbigail is a senior at Lake Minneola High School who has overcome incredible odds to get here. Raised by her hardworking dad in a single-income household, she became the first in her family to pursue a college degree — and she has done it with a 4.6 weighted GPA, AP coursework, and a heart full of determination.

A four-year volunteer with New Beginnings, AVID Summer Institute Leader, and shift leader at work — Abbigail has proven time and again that where you start does not determine where you finish. She is headed to college to study Biomedical Sciences with dreams of becoming a Cardiovascular Sonographer.

Abbigail, this community is behind you every step of the way. Go make history!

04/30/2026

🎓 We are so excited to introduce you to Isabella Nunez, this year's recipient of the Cheryl Fishel Memorial Scholarship!

Isabella is a senior at Real Life Christian Academy, and from the moment we learned her story, we knew she was something special. Growing up in a single-parent household, she has carried a lot — balancing school, work, and family responsibilities — and she has done it with grace, grit, and a whole lot of heart.

But what truly stands out about Isabella is how much she gives back. She mentors and tutors younger students, volunteers in her community, and leads as Co-Captain of her Varsity Cheer team through Student Council and Key Club. She doesn't just show up — she lifts everyone around her.

Isabella's dream is to earn a degree in Psychology and become a behavior analyst, dedicating her life to supporting children with special needs and the families who love them.

We are so honored to walk alongside her on that journey. Congratulations, Isabella — you deserve every bit of this!

📷 Pictured with Isabella are Cheryl's daughter and grandkids.

04/27/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Shireen Noelma! 🎉

We are beyond proud to announce that Shireen has been awarded the Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Scholarship through Project Scholars!

Shireen is the Class of 2026 Valedictorian at Hope Preparatory Academy, a servant leader with 171+ hours of community service, and a young woman of incredible faith and determination. She is pursuing a degree in Health Sciences with the goal of becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer — and this scholarship brings her one step closer to that dream.

Shireen, your hard work, your heart for others, and your perseverance have brought you here. This is just the beginning! 🙌

04/21/2026

Behind the music, the BBQ, and the fireworks — there's a student whose tuition just got paid.

Pig on the Pond raises funds for Project Scholars, awarding four $10,000 scholarships every year to deserving students in South Lake County. And every scholar is paired with a mentor from our community — because financial support is just the beginning.

We can't wait to announce our 2026 recipients!