Academy Prep Foundation Welcomes New V.P. for Development

Academy Prep Foundation is thrilled to welcome Joy Petit to the staff as Vice President of Development.

“Joy is a rare talent who will immediately impact our ability to tell the Academy Prep story and to raise funds critical to accomplishing our mission,” reports Executive Director Ben Fisher.

Joy is the former Community Affairs Manager, Host and Executive Producer of the weekly community affairs talk show “Bayview” at ABC Action News.

Petit writes:
“In December 2006, I took early retirement from ABC Action News to spend time with my family. After a whirlwind holiday season of festivity and travel, I will be returning to Florida (who knew!) to accept this appointment. I am deeply moved and honored.

My relationship with Academy Prep dates back to 1999 at ABC Action News, when during a presentation Founder, Jeff Fortune, John Erik Savitsky and other Board members described their mission of providing a concept of education that is more than just traditional school. Children of low-income families have an opportunity to receive an outstanding educational opportunity and the greatest chance for success. Each student receives four years of tuition-free, college-preparatory education in 5th through 8th grades. Students attend up to 11 hours a day, 6 days a week, 11 months each year. The school provides a demanding academic curriculum and a multitude of enrichment activities along with emotional support and social guidance. Students benefit from an additional eight years of graduate support that guides them continually through their high school and college careers. Students often leap from below grade level when entering 5th grade to academic abilities equivalent to 11th and 12th grade levels even before their 8th grade year!

I connected immediately! I could relate! My impressive (SAT-equivalent) scores in my homeland of Trinidad, West Indies, allowed me to receive a scholarship to a private girl’s school, with a similar rigorous curriculum, which adequately prepared me for the goals I attained in my professional life. I immediately “went to bat” for Academy Prep and encouraged the close relationship with ABC Action News, which they still enjoy today. At the groundbreaking ceremony of Academy Prep’s Tampa Campus, the station’s total participation confirmed a dedication to the partnership and it is with great pride that I will personally be present at their first graduating class in the spring of this year. I am looking forward to my role in replicating their St. Petersburg sister school's incredible success by keeping ninety-five percent of Academy Prep's graduates in high school, college, or careers.

My career in broadcast communications began at CBS, New York. After a hiatus to be at home with my three children, I returned to the workforce at ABC Action News. As the Community Affairs Manager, my primary responsibility was that of Host/Executive Producer of the weekly, community affairs talk show, ‘Bayview,’ a forum designed to encourage intercultural dialogue, conflict resolution and leadership agenda for problem solving. Each week I had the opportunity to provide a fresh, honest approach to local issues and concerns of the Tampa Bay Area.

I am thrilled to be able to work with youth who are, for the most part, the first of their families to attend college. What an opportunity this is for me!”

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Bryan Chavis and The Landlord Academy treated Academy Prep’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) group to a powerful presentation and tour of their corporate offices on Friday, November 10. Bryan, who also grew up in south St. Pete’s inner-city, beat all odds to become a successful business owner at a very young age. His message to the students was simple, “Invest in yourselves and I will invest in you.”

He provided each student with a book and CD introducing the basic concepts of financial responsibility and investment, and he challenged the students to study the materials, write essays, and come back ready to talk business. Bryan hopes for each student that they either begin their own business or invest the money they earn so they are able to live free of financial burden and one day give back to Academy Prep and the community from which they come.

Bryan and his team are walking the walk. Each student has been offered a checking account through MacDill Federal Credit Union, and Joshua and Jason Statton from Statton Title Agency have contributed $25 to each student in the school to begin their journey. Eighth grader Taye'lor immediately asked if she could withdraw the money if she found an investment opportunity. Students are encouraged to grow their accounts, and the boy and girl with most success earn themselves a new bike, courtesy of Statton Title Agency.

Our sincere thanks to Mr. Bryan Chavis, The Landlord Academy team, and all those involved in this outstanding partnership. We welcome you all to the Academy Prep Family!