The Oakley Debbs Health & Wellness Initiative
In November 2016, during a family vacation, Oakley Debbs tragically lost his life after suffering a fatal anaphylactic reaction due to a mild nut allergy. At the time, Oakley was a fifth-grade student at Rosarian Academy, attending alongside his twin sister, Olivia. His passing deeply impacted the entire Rosarian community, leaving a lasting void. Known for his strength, kindness, athletic spirit, and his love for wearing red sneakers, Oakley’s memory remains an inspiration.
For over 99 years, Rosarian Academy has been a beacon of excellence in Catholic education in Palm Beach County.
Oakley Debbs Health & Wellness Initiative
The goal of the Health & Wellness Initiative is to provide:
- Continual food allergy awareness for the Rosarian community
- CPR, AED & allergen training for all faculty/staff annually
- EpiPen Auto-Injectors and cases
- AED purchase and maintenance
- Annual seminars on health & wellness for teachers, students and parents
The Rosarian Academy honors Oakley through this heartfelt initiative, which aims to celebrate his legacy while spreading awareness about allergies and anaphylaxis. By remembering Oakley, the academy promotes an ongoing mission to educate students, families, and staff on the importance of allergy awareness and the proactive steps necessary to prevent similar tragedies.
This initiative ensures that Oakley’s vibrant spirit continues to touch lives through programs, tributes, and efforts that reflect the strength and compassion he embodied. The Rosarian community remains united in its dedication to honoring his memory, with students, faculty, and families actively participating in initiatives designed to foster understanding, safety, and empathy.
For Rosarian Academy, Oakley’s memory is not only a symbol of loss but also a call to action—an enduring reminder of the importance of community, kindness, and preparedness.
Gifts given to the initiative will be acknowledged on a recognition wall in the Rosarian Academy Dining Hall according to these levels:
O – $1000+
A – $750-$999
K – $500-$749
L – $250-$499
E – $100-$249
Y – $50-$99
