When you meet 17-year-old Victoria Lopez — affectionately known as Tori by her friends and family — you’re struck by her warmth, confidence and passion for helping others.
The Broward County Acceleration Academies senior loves music, has sung with professional choirs — even leading the soprano section during a performance in Hawaii for a Pearl Harbor memorial parade. She enjoys cooking, baking, traveling and being a role model and caregiver to her two younger sisters.
But behind her bright smile and encouraging attitude lies a journey marked by resilience.
When she was younger, Tori was diagnosed with a severe, chronic gastrointestinal condition called gastroparesis, which left her in severe pain and even bedridden at times.
“My chronic illness took over my life. I could barely eat. I couldn’t even tolerate water because everything hurt my stomach,” she recalls. “I was in and out of the hospital a lot, and at the time I was also taking care of my sisters. I could not attend traditional school because of everything that was going on in my life.”
Her illness made it nearly impossible for her to attend classes regularly at her traditional high school, and after multiple surgeries, hospital stays, clinical trials and treatments, Tori made the difficult decision to step away from high school and focus on her health.
“I nearly died,” Tori explains. “It was something that was very traumatic and very hard to go through, but it made me the person I am today … But, school was always on the back of my mind, however I could not physically go.”
The stress of managing high school and her condition eventually became too much and Tori reached her breaking point. She began searching for alternative high school options in Broward County, FL, where she lives with her dad and two younger sisters. She considered a few that would allow her to complete high school completely online, but ultimately decided a fully virtual high school wasn’t the best option for her.
Then, everything changed when she discovered Broward County Acceleration Academies (BCAA).
“When I found out about Acceleration Academies, my life changed completely,” she says. “I needed a place that not only understood me as a person, but understood my lifestyle, my schedule and who I was as a student.”
At BCAA, Tori found what she’d been missing — flexibility, compassion and genuine support.
“It’s such a welcoming environment. It’s a place where I could breathe again,” she says. “I found staff and teachers who understood me and saw me.”
Broward County Acceleration Academies partners with Broward County Public Schools to offer an alternative learning model to students in the school district who, like Tori, could benefit from a more flexible and personalized option for high school.
BCAA enrolls year-round to give students an opportunity to make up lost credits or get ahead in their coursework to graduate quicker. A hybrid high school program, BCAA gives students the best of both worlds with web-based classes that can be completed from anywhere with WiFi, in-person support at the academy from licensed teachers and mentors and they allow students to complete assignments on flexible schedules.
“This is absolutely perfect for me,” Tori says.
After enrolling at BCAA in January, the team of educators and mentors quickly became an extended family for Tori. And, when she was hospitalized for her last surgery in April 2025, her math content coach, Mr. Olu, and the staff at BCAA sent her flowers and a card signed by everyone.
“It was so personal and such a heartfelt message,” she remembers.
Her career and life coach, Ms. Vonnie, often reminds her that her situation doesn’t define her and doesn’t limit her capabilities. And, Academy Director Ms. Rosa, encouraged her to use her voice for advocacy — a message that has reshaped Tori’s purpose.
Tori’s condition is under control now thanks to the gastrostomy tube (G-tube) doctors placed during her last surgery.
“I have been able to live normally again,” Tori says. “I’m doing, truly, a lot better, and I’m so happy to even be in a position where I can consider college and moving forward with my life.”
Determined to succeed, Tori is now thriving physically and academically.
She’s also become a passionate advocate for others living with chronic illnesses.
Tori serves as the youngest ambassador in Florida for Chronic Disease Coalition, speaking with lawmakers and education leaders about healthcare access and equity. She spearheads Advacatori, a personal project that has helped 55 families across Florida navigate complex healthcare systems, appeal insurance denials and obtain diagnosis and treatment for chronic conditions. And, in October, the 17-year-old addressed congressional staff at a Tri-Caucus press conference in Washington, D.C., where she spoke openly about her struggle as a medically-complex teenager.
“I realized it’s totally different reading a statistic on a screen than having someone say it to you face-to-face — hearing someone’s story and hearing how it’s affected them personally in every which way,” she says. “That pushed me full throttle into public policy, social work and how to help people.”
Tori is on track to graduate from Broward County Acceleration Academies in January 2026, and plans to attend college, with Georgetown University in Washington, DC, high on her list. She says she plan
Looking back, Tori says she’s grateful for the hard days that shaped her into who she is — and for the school that helped her rediscover her strength.
“This academy has given me the opportunity to not only reclaim my education and diploma, but also my voice,” she says. “Acceleration Academies made me realize how much my community means to me and why it’s important to help others.”
For any student who feels like giving up, Tori offers a message of hope:
“It’s OK to start over. It’s OK to need help. This school isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. If you show up for yourself, the staff here will help you reach your goals. You don’t have to do it alone.”
Now, as she prepares for her next chapter, Tori says she’s proud of how far she’s come — and excited for what’s next.
“There were so many times that I felt like giving up, but I’m so grateful that I did not because there’s so much waiting for you on the other side. The grass is truly greener, you just have to believe in yourself,” she says. “And, you have to be the person that you want your younger self to look up to.”
Interested in a more personalized path to graduation? Learn more about Broward County Acceleration Academies here.