Academy Prep Students Read to Governor Crist

Thank You Polywogs and Synovus Bank

The summer is in full swing at Academy Prep! Our mandatory summer session runs from June 9 through June 27, and is packed with fun and exciting learning opportunities.

A typical summer day at Academy Prep begins with breakfast at 7:15 am. After morning convocation, academics commence at 8:00 am. Students have 55 minute academic classes in English, Science, Math, and Social Studies. When the academic day is over, students have enrichment activities before eating their lunch. This summer we have offered an array of activities ranging from Arts and Crafts, African Drumming, Eurhythmy, and Dance, to Tai Chi, Golf, Volleyball, and Music Theory!

We would like to thank our partners, the First Tee Golf Program, and the YMCA Prodigy Arts Program. These two partnerships are invaluable to Academy Prep, and allow us to offer Golf, Tai Chi, African Drumming, and Music Theory. With the summer session coming to an end, we will celebrate with a Family Fun Day picnic in celebration of a successful summer session. We look forward to what lies ahead for us in the fall!

The players received new batting gloves, helmets and fielding gloves, with the promise of more to come. "This helmet fits me just right!" declared one young aspiring ace. Several students vied for the opportunity to wear the new catcher's outfit. Coach Alex Barnes was stunned and awed. "This means so much to the players." he said. "Most of them have never played on any kind of team or had proper uniforms or equipment; this will be a huge motivating factor, and now it will be up to them to make the best use of the gear."

Roberto graciously accepted the role of "Honorary Coach" promising to help out as much as his professional baseball schedule allows. Roberto and Ivonne have been long-time supporters of Academy Prep and each year a graduating student is awarded the Roberto Hernandez Scholar-Athlete award, symbolizing the importance of excellence in both academics and athletics. We are truly grateful for their generosity. Go Eagles!!!

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Academy Prep Students Read to Governor Crist

As part of the Pinellas Science Center's celebration of Black History Month, Academy Prep's fifth graders read excerpts from Follow the Drinking Gourd to Governor Charlie Crist.

The governor explained that "drinking gourd" was the code name for the big Dipper constellation which contained Polaris, the North Star that guided slaves to Freedom in the via the Underground Railroad. He gave each student a personalized, signed copy of the book.

Governor Crist toured the African American History exhibit at the Science Center with the students and was presented with a pin in the shape of Academy Prep's symbol - an oak tree with a star. 5th grader Jacquetta Sorey explained that the tree symbolizes strength and the star is a constant reminder to students to reach for excellence.


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