Honoree

Mr. Jacob “Jake” Caldwell attended Tuskegee Institute and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965 in Physical Education. Coach Caldwell excelled in athletics in high school and college. He received two (2) “Letters” in basketball and one (1) “Letter” in football while in high school and one (1) “Letter” in basketball and two (2) “Letters• in baseball in college.

He began his career in education at Mays Jr./Sr. High School in 1966 as a Physical Education and Science Teacher, Head Basketball Coach, and Assistant Football Coach. He later transferred to South Dade Sr. High School as a Physical Education Teacher and Assistant Football Coach. In 1970, he joined the staff of Miami Jackson Senior High School 1970 as the Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Football Coach.

While coaching at Miami Jackson, Coach Caldwell won numerous coaching awards … Greater Miami Athletic Conference Coach of the Year-1971; Dade County Coach of the Year-Miami News-1972. 1974. 1981. & 1984; Dade County Coach of the Year-WEDR-1981; Florida Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year-1974; Florida Coach of the Year–Gator Tip-Off Club (University of Florida}-197 4; Florida All-Star Coach of the Year (film)-197 4; The Greater Miami Coach of the Year-WRBD-1975; The Miami Varsity Club Coach of the Year-1976 & 1986.; National Coach of the Year–McDonald Capital Classic-1977; WEDR-Metro Coach of the Year-1977 and South Florida MU All Star Coach-1977 & 1978.

His record at Miami Jackson is 4 73-101. His career record is 520 -123. Coach Caldwell led the Generals in Basketball to 8 Invitational Championships, 11 Divisional Championships, 7 Conference Championships, 12 District Championships, 9 Regional Championships, 7 Sectional Championships, I State Runner-up Championship, and I State Championship. 4 (Final Four) Consecutive State Tournaments and 7 Final Four Competitions.

Coach Caldwell placed 51 players into college on scholarship, with 21 players at major division institutions. He developed 10 professional players including 1 number one NBA draft choice. Michael Thompson, in 1978.
Over the years he has had numerous professional and civic affiliations including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Miami. The National Association of Basketball Coaches of the U. S., The National High School Athletic Coaches Association, The Florida Athletic Coaches Associations, The United Teachers of Dade, Urban League of Greater Miami, The American Red Cross, The Miami Varsity Club, the Southeastern – Tuskegee Tiger Club.

Athletics

Mr. John Harris is a 19 7 4 graduate of .Miami Jackson Senior High School.

While a student at .Miami Jackson, Mr. Harris was Captain of the Football Team, Captain of the Baseball Team and Silver Knight winner in Athletics. He received numerous awards in football and baseball. He was drafted in baseball upon graduation.

Mr. Harris was a “well-rounded” student who also excelled in academics and earned the title of Valedictorian of his Senior Class.

He pursued higher education at Arizona State University, where, again. he received numerous prestigious awards which included ‘Inductee’ into the Arizona State Hall of Fame and Rhodes Scholar Nominee.

Mr. Harris began his professional career in Athletics with the Seattle Seahawks in 1978 where he remained until 1985. He joined the team of the .Minnesota Vikings in 1986 and remained until 1988. While in the NFL. one of the titles that he received was NFLPA Outstanding Defensive Back ..

Mr. Harris returned to .Miami Jackson Senior High School in 2000 as a teacher and Head Football Coach. He led the .Miami Jackson Generals in 8 playoffs. As Head Football Coach, he also organized the first .Miami Jackson football clinic and created professional development activities for the Assistant Coaches which included attendance to football clinics at the University of South Florida and Rutgers University under the direction
of Coach Jim Leavitt and Coach Gregg Schiano respectively.

Athletics

Coach Nelson Guggino is a 1958 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School. While a student at Miami Jackson, he played football which earned him a football scholarship to the University of Tampa.

He received a Bachelor of Education Degree and returned to Miami-Dade County where he began his teaching career at his Ahna Mater, Miami Jackson Senior High School.
He was later appointed to the position of Head Football Coach, becoming the youngest Head Coach in Miami-Dade County.

Coach Guggino led the “Mighty Generals” to many winning seasons. He loved the students of Miami Jackson and devoted himself to making sure his players were seen by Scouts from many Universities .. Many of his players were awarded football scholarships and many went on to play for the NFL.

Coach Guggino is currently retired. He is married to Maida Lee Murphy Guggino and they have three children, Janet, Michael, and Nico, and ten grandchildren.

Community Involvement / Public Service

Ms. VonCarol Kinchens is a 1979 graduate of MiamiJackson Senior High School.

Ms. Kinchens has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida Memorial University.
She began her career with the City of Miami as a temporary employee and through hard work and diligence now serves as the Assistant Director of the City of Miami, Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET).

She is the organizer of the Annual Juneteenth that takes place in the City of Miami. She is currently the Vice President of Ark of the City which is the driving force behind the Annual Christmas on 15th Avenue. This event was started 8 years ago to allow the children of the Liberty City area to enjoy a day of being a child. She currently is a Board Member of the Women in Need of Destiny (WIND). an organization that is in the process of building five (5) affordable homes for first-time homeowners in Miami Gardens.

Through these activities and others, she is very visible in the communities of the City of Miami.

Community Involvement / Public Service

Mr. J. D. Patterson.Jr. is a 1978 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.

While a student at Miami Jackson Senior High School, Patterson was a member of the wrestling team. After graduating from Miami Jackson. he served in the U. S. Air Force until 1982. He began his career in law enforcement as a Police Officer in 1983. In 1984. he left his position as Police Officer but returned in 1985. to the Miami-Dade Police Department where he served as Patrol Officer Investigator. Supervisor. Manager and Command Level Officer. During his career. Mr. Patterson shared his expertise in law enforcement as a member of many Police professional organizations, his exemplary service was the catalyst for his appointment as Director of, the Miami-Dade Police Department, the position he held until this year. 2016. when he retired after serving 32 years

Mr. Patterson earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Barry University in Human Resource Management and a Master’s Degree from the University of Miami in Public Administration.

Additionally, Mr. Patterson is a licensed Baptist Minister at Mount Sinai Baptist Church where he was licensed in 1992 and continues to serve .

Education

Mr. Eric Jenkins is a 1969 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.

After graduation from Miami Jackson. Mr. Jenkins pursued his higher education at Miami-Dade Jr. College (now Miami-Dade College) and Florida Atlantic University where he majored in Art Education. He founded the Black Student Union while at Miami -Dade Jr. College. He began his career in education as a teacher at Miami Jackson Senior High School. 41 years ago.

During his tenure at Miami Jackson. he has been the founder and sponsor of several extra-curricular activities. such as. Miami Jackson Art Professionals Service Club, Miami Jackson Black History Month Art Exhibit, and the Art Professionals Award-Winning “Oldie Goldie Show.” In recognition of his outstanding artistic talent, he was invited to the Kennedy Center, Washington D. C. to exhibit 2 paintings that he painted while in the college of the God Father of Soul. the Legendary Mr. James Brown. at the opening of a documentary film on Mr. Brown’s life. Mr. Jenkins has made it a mission to exhibit his students’ artwork throughout Miami-Dade County, especially during Black History Month. With the assistance of his Art Professionals Club members. Mr. Jenkins has art on display at the campuses of Florida International University, Miami Dade College North Doral and Wolfson campuses, Stephen Clark Building, City of Miami Police Department. Villa Viscaya Gardens (Coral Gables). Fountain Bleu Hotel. Eden Rock Hotel. just to name a few.

Mr. Jenkins continues today as an art teacher at his Alma Mater, Miami Jackson Senior High School.