A Proposal to Name the Wharton High School Auditorium in Honor of James ‘Jas’ Warren’s Lifelong Dedication to Theatre Education
Mr. Warren didn’t just teach theatre — he taught life. His students found their voices, learned accountability, embraced empathy, and discovered confidence. Under his guidance, students learned what it meant to work hard, to show up even when you didn’t want to, and turn challenges into art.
The success of the Wharton theatre program under Mr. Warren’s direction, elevated the school’s reputation, bringing statewide and national recognition, as well as pride and opportunity to his students, and to the entire Hillsborough County School District.
Though his passing leaves a profound and irreplaceable void, Mr. Warren’s influence continues to resonate through the hundreds of lives he helped shape — the alumni who teach, perform, and lead with the same integrity and compassion he instilled in them. His legacy is written into the very history of Wharton; the trophies, ribbons, awards, and photos still decorate the auditorium lobby, today.
Naming the auditorium in his honor is more than a tribute; it’s a promise that we will never forget the educator who turned a stage into a home, a classroom into a family, and a program into a legacy that will endure for generations.
This petition will be shared with Wharton High School alumni, current students, faculty, members of the Florida Thespian community, and local community stakeholders, including educators, parents, and arts advocates who recognize the lasting educational and cultural value of Mr. Warren’s work. Together, these voices represent a collective commitment to preserving and honoring the legacy he built for our district.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
October 29, 2025
73 Comments
I couldn't agree more! Not only was the auditorium essentially Mr. Warren's sanctum, it was where he made magic! I couldn't think of a better honor than to name the auditorium after him & forever allow so many future generations see his name & find out who this brilliant, talented man was. Let's get this done!
Mr. Warren shaped all of us in so many ways. His passion for the arts is what inspired myself and others to work for a career in a creative role. He taught us how important it is to express yourself and how to maintain grace while doing so. Not dedicating the auditorium after him would be a great loss.
As a Wharton alumni and former student of Mr. Warren, I know the substantial impact that he’s had on so many in the community. From students, to peers, and the next generation of theater teachers, Mr. Warren’s memory should continue in the space that he grew with multiple generations. Please consider this nominal tribute to such a significant person.
I fully endorse this idea. Brendan Deneen Head of Film/TV at Blackstone Publishing Bestselling Author Lucky enough to have had Jas adapt one of my novels into a breathtaking stage show at Wharton
As a former Wharton HS PTA president, and having two students participate in Mr. Warren’s LSA program, I cannot say enough good things about how much he enriched the school both personally and professionally. I highly support the naming of the auditorium in his honor.
Jas Warren was an excellent theatre teacher. My daughter Kristin looked up to him with so much respect and inspiration. He was truly one of a kind.
It's the right thing to do. Thank you, Mr. Warren for showing me one of my earliest examples of the importance of stewarding the things we love with the highest of standards.
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A Proposal to Name the Wharton High School Auditorium in Honor of James ‘Jas’ Warren’s Lifelong Dedication to Theatre Education
Mr. Warren didn’t just teach theatre — he taught life. His students found their voices, learned accountability, embraced empathy, and discovered confidence. Under his guidance, students learned what it meant to work hard, to show up even when you didn’t want to, and turn challenges into art.
The success of the Wharton theatre program under Mr. Warren’s direction, elevated the school’s reputation, bringing statewide and national recognition, as well as pride and opportunity to his students, and to the entire Hillsborough County School District.
Though his passing leaves a profound and irreplaceable void, Mr. Warren’s influence continues to resonate through the hundreds of lives he helped shape — the alumni who teach, perform, and lead with the same integrity and compassion he instilled in them. His legacy is written into the very history of Wharton; the trophies, ribbons, awards, and photos still decorate the auditorium lobby, today.
Naming the auditorium in his honor is more than a tribute; it’s a promise that we will never forget the educator who turned a stage into a home, a classroom into a family, and a program into a legacy that will endure for generations.
This petition will be shared with Wharton High School alumni, current students, faculty, members of the Florida Thespian community, and local community stakeholders, including educators, parents, and arts advocates who recognize the lasting educational and cultural value of Mr. Warren’s work. Together, these voices represent a collective commitment to preserving and honoring the legacy he built for our district.
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
October 29, 2025
73 Comments
This man brought award winning productions for over 20years. Contributed state wide in events and adjudicated many Florida state thespians all while simultaneously teaching a troupe of students the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in their own passions. This was his home
I couldn't agree more! Not only was the auditorium essentially Mr. Warren's sanctum, it was where he made magic! I couldn't think of a better honor than to name the auditorium after him & forever allow so many future generations see his name & find out who this brilliant, talented man was. Let's get this done!
Mr. Warren shaped all of us in so many ways. His passion for the arts is what inspired myself and others to work for a career in a creative role. He taught us how important it is to express yourself and how to maintain grace while doing so. Not dedicating the auditorium after him would be a great loss.
As a Wharton alumni and former student of Mr. Warren, I know the substantial impact that he’s had on so many in the community. From students, to peers, and the next generation of theater teachers, Mr. Warren’s memory should continue in the space that he grew with multiple generations. Please consider this nominal tribute to such a significant person.
I fully endorse this idea. Brendan Deneen Head of Film/TV at Blackstone Publishing Bestselling Author Lucky enough to have had Jas adapt one of my novels into a breathtaking stage show at Wharton
As a former Wharton HS PTA president, and having two students participate in Mr. Warren’s LSA program, I cannot say enough good things about how much he enriched the school both personally and professionally. I highly support the naming of the auditorium in his honor.
Jas Warren was an excellent theatre teacher. My daughter Kristin looked up to him with so much respect and inspiration. He was truly one of a kind.
It's the right thing to do. Thank you, Mr. Warren for showing me one of my earliest examples of the importance of stewarding the things we love with the highest of standards.
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This man brought award winning productions for over 20years. Contributed state wide in events and adjudicated many Florida state thespians all while simultaneously teaching a troupe of students the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in their own passions. This was his home