Academy Prep Alumnus and New Board Trustee Jason Warner Leads Second Annual School Supply Drive with CED St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, FL – As Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg welcomed scholars back for the 2026-2027 school year, one of its own once again helped ensure every student started the year prepared for success. Jason Warner, a 2010 Academy Prep graduate, returned to campus alongside his employer, CED St. Petersburg, to deliver school supplies for every scholar through their second annual school supply drive.

Warner, now a manager at CED St. Petersburg and recently elected as the first Academy Prep graduate to serve on the Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg Board of Trustees, organized the initiative as another opportunity to give back to the school that helped shape his life. The donation provided hundreds of essential school supplies, ensuring scholars began the school year with the tools they need to thrive.

“Academy Prep taught me values I still carry today, especially the importance of serving others and investing in my community,” said Warner. “It’s an honor to come back each year to support the next generation of scholars. Being elected to the Board of Trustees makes this opportunity even more meaningful because I have the privilege of giving back both as an alumnus and as someone helping shape the future of the school.”

The school supply drive was made possible through Warner’s partnership with CED St. Petersburg, whose commitment to supporting education and strengthening the local community continues to make a meaningful impact. Together, they demonstrate the powerful role alumni and community partners play in advancing Academy Prep’s mission.

“Jason’s continued commitment to Academy Prep is extraordinary,” said Gina Tanase Burkett, Head of School. “Not only does he return each year to support our scholars through this generous school supply drive, but he has now made history as the first Academy Prep graduate elected to our Board of Trustees. His journey from scholar to community leader embodies everything Academy Prep is designed to achieve and serves as an incredible example for our students of what is possible.”
Warner’s election to the Board of Trustees represents a historic milestone for Academy Prep as the organization approaches its 30th anniversary. His leadership reflects the long-term impact of Academy Prep’s mission: developing scholars who return to strengthen the very institution that helped launch their success.

Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg is a tuition-free, independent, college-preparatory middle school serving students through need-based scholarships. Through its Graduate Support program, Academy Prep continues to mentor and support alumni for up to eight years following graduation, guiding them through high school, college, and career. Jason Warner’s continued service stands as a powerful example of that lifelong commitment in action.

For more information about Academy Prep and how to support its scholars, please visit https://stpete.academyprep.org.

Additional photos available for download: https://academy-prep.filemail.com/d/qijhbamnmrxfxjr