Community gathers in Sunrise to celebrate bravery, award scholarships, and promote water safety.
On April 12, 2025, hundreds gathered at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise for the annual Aden Perry Hero Event 5K. This event was a moving tribute to 17-year-old Aden Perry, a Western High School student. His selfless act of bravery continues to ripple through the South Florida community.
Aden lost his life on April 19, 2022, while trying to rescue another teen whose vehicle had plunged into a nearby pond. After calling 911, Aden jumped into the water to help 18-year-old Venkata Sai Krishnamurthy. Tragically, both young men drowned. In recognition of his heroic actions, Aden was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Hero Medal. This is North America’s highest civilian honor for bravery.
In response to this tragedy, Sarah Perry, Aden’s mother, established the Aden Perry Good Samaritan and Scholarship Fund. Since its founding, the organization has:
- Awarded over 50 college scholarships
- Provided more than 100 SAT prep and testing fee scholarships
- Donated thousands of school supplies to students in need
Celebrating Community, Compassion, and Courage
The Hero Event 5K began with yoga and stretching, followed by a scenic run around the arena. Participants enjoyed high-energy entertainment from a live DJ. Local high school students provided performances. The celebration continued post-race with a community barbecue from Mission BBQ, refreshments, and a nostalgic performance by The Beatlemaniax, a Beatles tribute band.
A special highlight was the presentation of the first scholarship for the 2024–2025 academic year. This was awarded in honor of Ethan Lawrence to the top runner in the 15–19 age group.
Beyond academics, the foundation also promotes water safety through the Aden Perry Hero Life Ring Initiative. To date, more than 400 life rings have been installed across South Florida. These include installations in Coral Springs, Oakland Park, and Miami Beach. This initiative helps prevent future tragedies near bodies of water.
Sarah Perry’s dedication ensures that Aden’s legacy of compassion and bravery lives on, turning personal loss into a mission of community service and safety.
