On March 14, Victory Ridge Academy, a public charter school dedicated to serving students with special needs, hosted its annual Field Day. The event, designed to provide fun and interactive activities for students and their families, was made even more special this year thanks to the involvement of Warner University’s men’s basketball team. The players volunteered their time to host an obstacle course, engaging with students and bringing an infectious energy to the event.
Victory Ridge Academy, located on Burns Avenue in Lake Wales, provides essential educational and therapeutic services for individuals with special needs from ages 3 to 22. With a second campus currently under construction in Davenport, the school remains committed to fostering independence, academic success, and community inclusion.
Parents and attendees were thrilled to see the interaction between the Warner basketball players and the students. Kati Thornton, a parent of a Victory Ridge student, expressed her joy in watching the team’s enthusiasm. “One of the players, in particular, was living his best life—he seemed to be having more fun than the kids, and his excitement was contagious,” she shared. She was referring to Warner graduate assistant Dylan Harvey, whose energy and commitment made the day even more memorable.
The partnership between Warner University and Victory Ridge Academy highlights the importance of community involvement and the impact that student-athletes can have beyond the court. Through their participation, the Warner basketball players helped create a day filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories for the Victory Ridge students and their families.
