The inaugural Titans Rise Gala, held on September 19, 2025, at the beautiful Goodwood Museum and Gardens, was nothing short of inspiring. The sold-out evening brought together our community, alumni, and partners in a celebration of what makes Lively Technical College so special—our people, our purpose, and our shared belief in opportunity for all.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and friends of Lively, the event raised over $100,000 to support annual partnerships, scholarships, and programmatic funding that directly impact our students. We are deeply grateful for the continued support that helps our Titans reach their goals and build brighter futures.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our top sponsors, Tallahassee Ford and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet, for their outstanding commitment—not only to this event, but to Lively’s long-term mission. Both sponsors have pledged to continue their partnership annually, helping us expand opportunities and strengthen our workforce programs.

We’d also like to recognize our other generous sponsors who helped make the night a success: Prime Meridian Bank, the Office of Economic Vitality, Rippee Construction, and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Your partnership fuels our mission every day and reminds us how strong our community truly is.

Of course, no celebration would be complete without an unforgettable dining experience, and our guests were treated to culinary delights prepared by Lively’s own Culinary Arts program. Under the direction of Chef Instructors Charles DiBella and Ryan Folden, along with former Chef Instructor Greg Folden, our talented culinary students created an extraordinary menu that perfectly showcased their skill, creativity, and passion for their craft.
As Chef DiBella shared, “It was a great opportunity for us to highlight our program and the students that make up our programs.” Their professionalism and artistry made the evening even more memorable and highlighted the caliber of training and instruction Lively students receive every day.

Adding to the excitement, guests enjoyed live musical entertainment by FireWall, whose performance kept the crowd energized and dancing well into the evening. Another crowd favorite was the Best Boot Competition, where attendees showed off their best gala boots—bringing a fun and festive touch to the night’s elegant atmosphere.

The night was filled with laughter, connection, and powerful moments—from a lively silent and live auction to a moving mission moment that raised more than $18,000 in scholarships for students. One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Rising Titan Award to Matthew Shirley, a proud Lively graduate who truly embodies what it means to be a Titan: leadership, hard work, perseverance, and integrity.

Another unforgettable moment came when Nick Sutton, the great-great-grandson of Lewis Lively, spoke about his family’s legacy and the lasting impact the school has had on our region. His words reminded us of how far we’ve come since 1937, when Lewis Lively first partnered with Leon High School to create a pathway in aviation mechanics. Today, Lively Technical College offers more than 30 programs, and we continue to grow alongside our community—listening, adapting, and preparing students for the workforce needs of tomorrow.

To our partners across Leon County and Wakulla County, and to every guest, sponsor, and volunteer who poured their time, talent, and heart into this event—thank you. Your support is changing lives, one student at a time.

We can’t wait to see everyone again for Titans Rise Gala 2026, coming next September! If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, joining the Gala Committee, or learning how to support Lively’s mission, please contact Lanisha Wetherington at lanisha.wetherington@leonschools.net or call 850-487-7413. Official dates will be announced in January 2026.

Together, we celebrate our past, embrace our present, and rise toward an even brighter future—for our students, our staff, and our entire community.