by James Coulter 

Customers visiting Publix Supermarket along Highway 60 in Lake Wales can expect to be greeted and served by friendly students with developmental differences now that the store has partnered with a local school. 

Victory Ridge Academy, a school for students with special needs in Lake Wales, has entered into a business partnership agreement with Publix Supermarket on Highway 60 to offer (CBVE) Community-Based Vocational Education Training for students ages 14 to 22. Through this partnership, students with developmental differences attending Victory Ridge Academy will be able to gain valuable job and life skills by working at the local supermarket, all while supervised by a certified teacher and their (SES) Supported Employment Specialists. These SESs are certified by the State of Florida and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. 

Evelyn Lewis, Director of Transitional Service at Victory Ridge Academy, contacted the local supermarket last year seeking vocational opportunities for her students. Six months later, she was contacted by a representative from Publix, who offered Victory Ridge Academy a contract agreement. 

“It is an awesome partnership with Publix,” she said. “That is one more partnership to add to the list that we already have.” 

Victory Ridge Academy has entered into similar partnerships with other local businesses, including Vocational Rehabilitation Services, AdventHealth of Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens, Eagle Ridge Mall, Lake Wales Bowling Alley, Hampton Inn & Suites, The Freedom Tour, and Lake Wales Care Center. 

“The main skill [we want these students to learn] is to be independent,” Lewis said. “We focus on employability skills [and] social skills…just for them to be the best that they can be, and to know that they are not limited just because they have a disability; they are not handicapped, they are handi-capable. That is my saying. They are handi-capable.” 

Lewis has served as an educator for 33 years. She has an Ed.S Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction and is certified in ESE, ESOL, and Reading. She previously worked in the Polk County School System for 21 years. As the Director of Transitional Services, Lewis has been seeking other potential partnerships with businesses in the Lake Wales community. However, while many businesses have expressed interest, some are still thinking about it, while other businesses have not only agreed to offer vocational training opportunities, but have gone above and beyond in making a way for the students.

“As a matter of fact, we have students at Hampton Inn & Suites now participating in (WBLE) Work Based Learning Experiences….to learn different skills from housekeeping to maintenance,” Lewis explained. “We  want them to get as much training and experiences that they can while they are here with us so once they age out of school, they are able to go out and do more than just sit on the couch watching TV. This is our passion, and we love it. As long as we are able to continue to assist our students, we will continue working trying to make a difference.” 

Hannah Herring, Publix Super Markets Media Relations Manager for the Lake Wales area, offered the following statement when asked about the company’s relationship with Victory Ridge Academy:

“Publix has a relationship with schools in our footprint to offer a community-based vocational education program to high school ESE (exceptional student education) students. This work experience allows students to perform tasks alongside Publix associates and gain knowledge, experience and confidence in the workforce.

“Many students are able to jumpstart their careers either at Publix or with another employer by becoming gainfully employed once they’ve completed the program. Students have an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of roles, including front-service clerk and stock clerk as well as roles in our bakery and produce departments. The students enjoy learning job skills that will serve them well into their futures, and Publix is proud to invest in local students and our communities through this program.”

Lewis chose Publix as their next business partnership due to the overall “friendly” and “community” image of the local supermarket chain. Through their training, students will not only be able to gain vocational skills, but also communication skills and other valuable life skills for them to live independent lives.  

“It is our goal for them because that is rewarding for them when we hear them say, ‘I did it! I got a job!’ That makes us happy; that makes us know we’ve done what we could to assist them in getting there,” she said. 

Lewis has high expectations for her students serving at Publix Supermarket, and at other businesses. She has even higher expectations to form more business partnerships with other local businesses. “I just thank my Executive Director, Steve Whitaker for having faith in me by giving me this opportunity back in 2016, and telling me to run with it. I thank my staff that assist the students every single day, but most of all, I thank the parents and students. To all the business partners, I am looking forward to great things to come,” she said. 

“A lot of people do not know that these students can do great things. Never say can’t. They can do it. . I am proud of my school. I am proud of the students here. And like I said: Victory Ridge Academy Transition Program is rocking and rolling, and I thank God for that.”