News Summary
Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg kicked off the school year with a school supply drive organized by alumnus Jason Warner. In collaboration with CED St. Petersburg, the initiative provided essential supplies to every scholar, enhancing the community’s educational support. Warner’s efforts underscore the importance of alumni engagement and community ties, inspiring current students to contribute positively to their own communities. The successful drive reinforces Academy Prep’s mission to empower scholars through academic success and character development.
St. Petersburg – The Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg celebrated the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year with a surprise school supply drive organized by alumnus Jason Warner, a 2010 graduate. In partnership with CED St. Petersburg, Warner’s initiative provided essential school supplies for every scholar at Academy Prep, marking a significant contribution to the local community as students prepared for their academic endeavors.
Warner, who serves as a manager at CED St. Petersburg, envisioned the supply drive as a way to give back to the institution that played a crucial role in his educational journey. This initiative resulted in the distribution of hundreds of school supplies, assisting students to start their school year equipped and prepared for success.
The collaboration between Warner and CED St. Petersburg is reflective of increasing alumni engagement and the importance of community partnerships. Academy Prep aims to foster an environment of support both in and out of the classroom, which is exemplified by such initiatives led by former students. The drive not only provided resources but also served as a reminder of the values instilled in students during their time at Academy Prep—values centered on service and community commitment.
Leanne Howard, the Director of Graduate Support at Academy Prep, expressed pride in the initiative led by Warner, emphasizing its inspirational nature for current students. She highlighted how alumni involvement can motivate current scholars, showing them the impact they can have on their own community in the future.
Founded as a tuition-free, college-preparatory middle school, Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg serves students who qualify for need-based scholarships. The institution places a strong emphasis on academic achievement and character development, aiming to equip students with the skills necessary for success in high school, college, and beyond.
Additionally, Academy Prep provides Graduate Support Services, ensuring ongoing mentorship for students as they navigate their educational journeys after middle school. This holistic support approach reinforces the importance of community and fosters long-lasting relationships that can extend into adulthood.
Overall, the successful execution of the school supply drive is a testament to the strength of community ties and the dedication of alumni to uplift future generations. Jason Warner’s efforts not only benefited the students at Academy Prep but also highlight the potential for programmatic partnerships that can significantly impact educational institutions and their communities.
As the 2025-2026 school year begins, the drive has set a positive tone for the upcoming academic challenges and opportunities ahead for the students of Academy Prep. The initiative showcases how contributions from individuals can make a significant difference in the lives of students, reinforcing the core mission of Academy Prep to foster empowerment and independence among its scholars.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Jason Warner Gives Back
- Google Search: Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg
- St. Pete Catalyst: Housing Authority Event
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- I Love the Burg: St. Pete School Supply Drive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Supply
- TBBW Magazine: Walgreens School Supplies Drive
- Google News: Back to School Events Pinellas
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
