At a recent Board of Education meeting, Ward Melville High School student Violet Fortner was recognized for her extraordinary bravery and quick thinking that helped save a life in the Three Village community.

On June 2, while driving home from school, Violet noticed two men on a front lawn, one of whom appeared to be in medical distress. Trusting her instincts, she turned her car around and immediately acted. The man in need was part of a father-son contracting team working in the neighborhood, and the son was unprepared to respond to the emergency.

Drawing on CPR and First-Aid training she received at both Ward Melville and Gelinas, Violet sprang into action. She called 911, relayed medical history to dispatchers, called on neighbors with medical backgrounds for help, and performed high-quality CPR until first responders arrived. EMTs and the Setauket Fire District later commended Violet for her calm leadership and the effectiveness of her compressions – something they noted is rarely seen outside of trained professionals.

Remarkably, Violet had spent that school day reviewing cardiac anatomy in her Honors Human Physiology class and had attended her very first EMT training class that same evening.

Violet’s quick response and selfless courage exemplify the power of preparedness, compassion and community spirit. The district is proud to honor her incredible actions and looks forward to all she will accomplish in the future.

Date Added: 6/25/2025