Lake Wales, FL – Victory Ridge Academy, a public charter school dedicated to serving students with unique challenges, was recently honored as the recipient of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s “Pay It Forward” initiative, in partnership with Tanner’s Lakeside. The donation, celebrated at a special event, underscores the community’s commitment to safety and support for the school’s mission.
Sara Edwards, Registered Nurse at Victory Ridge Academy for the past three years, expressed deep gratitude for the donation. “It was incredibly meaningful and humbling to be chosen,” Edwards said. “The safety and well-being of our students is always a top priority, so receiving this lifesaving equipment speaks volumes about the compassion and generosity of our community.”
Victory Ridge Academy, which serves students from Pre-K through age 22, provides a supportive and individualized learning environment for children with special needs. Edwards, who has seven years of experience in pediatric and emergency nursing, emphasized the school’s unique role. “Being here is more than just a job; it’s a privilege,” she shared.
Steve Whitaker, a veteran administrator at Victory Ridge since 2013, highlighted the school’s growth and impact. “We started with one classroom in 2006, and now we have two campuses with over 300 staff serving more than 450 students,” Whitaker said. “With construction underway in Davenport, we’ll soon be able to serve over 315 students there, just like in Lake Wales, and we’re planning to open two more campuses in Polk County.”
The AED donation, facilitated by Tanner’s Lakeside and the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, was accompanied by a demonstration from Eric Shimcus, who provided clear and accessible training on how to use the device. “The demonstration was incredibly informative,” Edwards noted. “Eric made everything easy to understand and helped us feel confident in knowing how to use the AED if an emergency were to happen.”
The Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, led by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke, has made it their mission to place AEDs in communities where they are needed most. Edwards praised their efforts, saying, “Melanie and the entire Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation team are amazing. Their dedication is truly saving lives, and Melanie’s passion is contagious. She has created something that is changing communities for the better.”
Whitaker and Edwards both expressed heartfelt appreciation for the donation. “This could truly make the difference in saving a life, and that’s a gift beyond words,” Edwards said. “From all the nursing staff at Victory Ridge Academy, thank you for helping us protect our students and staff.”
The partnership between Victory Ridge Academy, Tanner’s Lakeside, and the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of community collaboration. With this new AED, Victory Ridge is better equipped to ensure the safety of its students and staff, continuing its mission to provide a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, visit their website or contact their administrative office. To learn more about the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and their lifesaving initiatives, visit their official facebook page.
