Jefferson County High School is proud to announce the donation of a ZOLL AED from Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, strengthening emergency preparedness for student-athletes. 

This donation carries special meaning for the JCHS tennis program. 

Earlier this year, JCHS sophomore tennis player Bailey Bacon experienced a rapid heart rate while playing tennis. JCHS Tennis Coach Diana Price responded immediately by assessing Bailey’s heart rate and taking quick action to ensure she received appropriate care. 

Brandi Bacon, Bailey’s mother and an emergency room registered nurse at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital helped initiate the conversation about bringing an AED to the tennis courts following Bailey’s diagnosis of Supraventricular Tachycardia. 

Through her advocacy and the collaborative efforts of Becky Miller, Community Benefit Manager with Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, Athletic Trainer Scott Byrd, Coordinated School Health Coordinator Melissa Whitaker, Nurse Supervisor Laurie Compton, BSN, RN, JCHS nurses Makayla Hazelwood, BSN, RN, and Justine Haynes, LPN, Athletic Director Gaines Cox, and Principal Randy Rodgers, this vision became a reality. 

“This AED represents what can happen when families, healthcare professionals, and school staff work together with one goal—protecting students,” said Melissa Whitaker. 

The newly donated AED near the tennis courts will help ensure students like Bailey have immediate access to life-saving resources if an emergency occurs. 

Jefferson County High School extends sincere gratitude to Becky Miller, the Bacon family, and Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital helping make student safety a priority.