Tampa Catholic High School has long been a place where students are encouraged to dream big and pursue their passions. For alumnae Jessica Eckley and Jennifer Renspie, this foundation played a significant role in their journey from Crusaders to successful business partners running Crackerjack Media, a thriving marketing, public relations, and events-focused agency in Tampa Bay. Their story is one of friendship, perseverance, and a shared commitment to excellence that began in the halls of Tampa Catholic.
Their Time at Tampa Catholic
For Jessica Eckley, revisiting Tampa Catholic is a sentimental experience, especially now that her daughter is a student and her son graduated in 2019. Reflecting on her favorite classes and teachers, Jessica recalls, "I learned so much from Algebra with Sr. Terese, English with Mrs. Flowers, Typewriting with Mrs. Culbert, and Humanities with Dr. Wright. My brother was also the head wrestling coach when I attended, and I loved going to matches and supporting the team." These memories, rooted in academics and school spirit, continue to influence Jessica as she navigates her career and personal life.
Jennifer Renspie's time at Tampa Catholic began with a significant transition—moving to Tampa just two days before her freshman year. "I didn’t know a single person at the school or in Tampa for that matter," Jennifer recalls. However, a student ambassador helped her acclimate, a kindness that inspired Jennifer to serve in the same role throughout her time at TC. "Helping other new and prospective students who felt overwhelmed, have a familiar face to walk the hallways with was my way of giving back," she explains.
Building Leadership Skills Through Extracurricular Activities
Jessica and Jennifer immersed themselves in the rich extracurricular life at Tampa Catholic. Jessica was deeply involved, participating in BETA, NHS, FBLA, Yearbook, and Quill and Scroll. Her leadership was evident as she took on roles like editor of the school yearbook and president of FBLA during her senior year. These experiences laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in marketing and public relations, where attention to detail and a passion for storytelling are key.
Jennifer, too, was active outside the classroom. Her role as a student ambassador allowed her to share her love for Tampa Catholic with new students. She also excelled in athletics, playing on the varsity girls' tennis team for all four years and serving as co-captain in her junior and senior years. Her involvement in the Key Club, where she served as secretary, fueled her passion for community service—a passion that continues to drive her work and philanthropy today. As a member of the Yearbook Staff, she honed her skills in collaboration and project management, essential qualities in her current role at Crackerjack Media.
Advice to Current Students: Embrace Every Opportunity
Both Jessica and Jennifer have valuable advice for current Tampa Catholic students. Jessica emphasizes the importance of viewing every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. "Whether it’s a class that doesn’t seem immediately relevant, an internship that isn’t exactly what you expected, or a job that feels like a detour, each of these can shape your career journey," she says. Her message is clear: life’s path is rarely linear, and every step along the way contributes to your overall growth and success.
Jennifer encourages students to get involved and build connections. "TC offers several opportunities to make new friendships, whether through sports, an academic club, or a faith-based group," she notes. She believes that the strong sense of community at Tampa Catholic, where faith and education go hand in hand, is instrumental in fostering personal development and moral values that will serve students well into adulthood.
Crackerjack Media: A Dream Realized
After graduating from Tampa Catholic, both Jessica and Jennifer pursued careers in sports and events before transitioning to local agencies. However, the constraints of agency life led them to strike out on their own. Jessica recalls the frustration of "red tape that limited creative solutions and client service," which ultimately motivated her to start Crackerjack Media. Jennifer joined her about nine months later, inspired by Jessica's work ethic and shared vision. "It was (and still is) truly inspiring. I reflect back over the last 10 years and am confident that joining her as a partner was the best career decision I have ever made," Jennifer shares.
Together, they have built Crackerjack Media into a powerhouse agency, working on high-profile events like the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff National Championship, Women’s Final Four, and Tampa Bay’s iconic Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Their success is a testament to the lessons learned at Tampa Catholic—lessons in leadership, resilience, and the importance of community.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
As they continue to grow Crackerjack Media, Jessica and Jennifer also have personal aspirations that reflect their deep commitment to giving back. Jessica is eager to continue building a team that is "inspired, creative, and fulfilled," while also making more time for international travel with her husband. For Jennifer, her volunteer work with foster children has sparked a desire to create a better support system for teens transitioning out of foster care. "I’m hoping when I hang up my PR hat I can dedicate more time to the vulnerable children in our community," she says.
The Power of Faith, Excellence, and Family
Jennifer Renspie and Jessica Eckley’s journey from Tampa Catholic students to successful business partners is a story of faith, excellence, and family—the core values that continue to guide them in their personal and professional lives. As they reflect on their time at Tampa Catholic, it’s clear that the lessons they learned here are still very much a part of who they are today. Their story is an inspiration to current students and a shining example of what it means to be a Crusader for life.