Political Awareness

State Representative Sharon Pritchett is a 1969 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.
She was elected in 2012 to the newly-created District 102 seat in the Florida House of Representatives. She was re-elected in 2014 without opposition. When elected to office in 2012. Representative Pritchett was no stranger to politics.

She worked on the Committee to Incorporate the City of Miami Gardens in 2002 and upon Incorporation was elected to the Miami Gardens City Council. Citywide Seat 5. She served on the Council from 2003 through 2011. Significant to her service as a Councilwoman, she sponsored Resolutions that created Citizens’ Advisory Committees namely People with Disabilities, Parks, and Recreation, and the Elderly Affairs. and Caribbean Affairs.

Representative Pritchett is an active member of many professionals. community. and civic organizations such as. Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation, Broward County Legislative Delegation, National Foundation of Women Legislators. Unrepresented People’s Positive Action Council (UP-PAC). Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Alpha Gamma Chapter)-just to name a few.

She completed her higher education at Biscayne College (now known as St. Thomas University) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice and Human Resources and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management. She served 28 years as an investigator for the Miami-Dade county Public Defender’s Office. During her tenure she earned the title of Chief Investigator. Representative Sharon Pritchett continues to work tirelessly to empower and create opportunities for others. She believes in leading with honesty and integrity. while focusing on continued opportunities to serve the Miami Gardens. Miramar. and Pembroke Pines Communities.

Political Awareness

Commissioner Audrey Edmonson is a 1971 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.
She has been active in local politics since 1999. Her first position was as Mayor of the Village of El Portal. She was elected to the Miami-Dade Commission for District 3 in 2005. She was re-elected in 2012 to a four-year term. She served as Vice Chair from 201 0 to 2012. She represents the communities of Liberty City. Little Haiti. Overtown. the Upper East Side. Edgewater. Buena Vista. Allapattah. Wynwood. Venetian Causeway and Watson Island. are all located in the City of 1.1iarni; Brownsville. Biscayne Shores Park area. the Village of El Portal and the Village of Miami Shores. Commissioner Edmonson is a member of several Advisory Boards advocating for the betterment of Dade County residents.

She championed the establishment and is an Ex-Officio Member of the Miami Children’s Initiative (MCI). a program modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone. aimed at helping Liberty City children from cradle to adulthood.

Before beginning her career in politics. Commissioner Edmonson was employed by Eastern Airlines for 16 years as a stewardess. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a dual master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Barry University.

She is a Charter Member of the Miami-Biscayne Bay (FL) Chapter of the Links. Incorporated and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Incorporated. both with several public service initiatives. She also is a member of Top Ladies of Distinction. Inc .. JUST US and the Red Hat Society–Classy Girlfriends.

Health Awareness

Mr. Nelson L. Adams. M. D .. is a 1970 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.
While a student at Miami Jackson, Dr. Adams was in the marching band. served on the Debate Team and was a Silver Knight nominee in the area of Social Science. After graduation, he pursued higher education and is an esteemed alumnus of Howard University, where he has been recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. He earned his medical degree at Meharry Medical College. where he was named Student of the Year in his freshman class and now serves on the Board of Trustees. In 1982 he completed his four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the prestigious Emory University.

Dr. Adams is a medical leader passionately committed to eliminating racial and ethnic inequality in health. He is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with a vibrant and challenging practice in Miami-Dade County. He is the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jackson North Medical Center. He also is the CEO of Metro Miami OB/GYN Associates. P.A. Professor of OB/GYN at Florida International University College of Medicine and Chairman of the Sunshine State Health Plan.

He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society.

Education

Dr. Venita Timpson is a 1968 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.

She pursued her higher education at Tuskegee University and majored in Political Science. She returned to her Alma Mater as a teacher of American Government and Black History from 1973 – 1981. In 198 I. she was appointed as Student Activities Director where she coordinated the operations of 33 organizations and clubs. As Activities Director. she was responsible for the logistics of the Senior Graduation Ceremony. She served in this capacity until her retirement in 2008. She was recognized in 2014 by the Miami Jackson Generals Alumni Association. Inc. for her dedication and commitment to the students of Miami Jackson which continued after her retirement.

Dr. Timpson also earned a Master of Education Degree in School Administration from Laverne University in 1978 and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Youth Ministry from Chapel Bible College in 2004. She is the Founder and CEO of VBTimpson Ministries which includes 2 components, God’s Little Children Ainisty formed in 2008, and Surviving Twin Network formed in 2014. Dr. Timpson is the Co-Owner/Operator of Timpson Limousine Service. Inc. which began in 1978 with her twin sister Veronica Timpson who is now deceased.

Dr. Timpson is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Education

Ms. Althea Tate is a 1969 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.

While a student at Miami Jackson, Ms. Tate was a member of the Senior Mixed Chorus and Girls Glee Choral where she was the featured vocalist. She auditioned and was selected to perform in a professional production of “Porgy and Bess” by Mr. Roscoe Speed. Ms. Tate was a member of the Track and Field Team. where she held the Florida State record for the Girl’s Shot Put. She also was a member of the Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball Teams. She was voted as a 1969 Senior Superlative in the category of “Most Talented Female.”

After graduation, Ms. Tate pursued her higher education at Prairie View A & Mon a full 4-Year Track & Field Scholarship. While matriculating at Prairie View. she was selected as Ms. Prairie View A & M University Queen and was featured in Ebony Magazine in 1976. Ms. Tate returned to her Alma Mater as a teacher of Physical Education. She was selected as the Miami Jackson Senior High School Teacher of the Year in 1996. She served as the Girl’s Head Basketball Coach. She received recognition for working with students as the 1997 Youth Crime Watch of America “National Advisor of the Year” and Outstanding Sponsor of the SADD Program. She was also recognized for community involvement in the United States “Say No to Drugs Program.”

Education

Dr. Fedrick Ingram is a 1991 graduate of Miami Jackson Senior High School.
While a student at Miami Jackson, Dr. Ingram served as the head drum major for the Marching Generals. Pursuing his love for music, after graduation, he attended Bethune Cookman College (now University) where he earned a degree in Music.

He returned to Miami and further pursued his love for music by becoming a music teacher and band director at Lake Stevens Middle School. Booker T. Washington Senior High School and Miami Carol City Senior High School. In 2006, Mr. Ingram became the Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year. He was also a finalist for the State of Florida Teacher of the Year Award in 2006. On May 16, 2013, Dr. Ingram was elected President of the United Teachers of Dade, making history as the first African-American elected to serve in that capacity. Dr. Ingram is a staunch advocate for public education and is recognized nationally as an expert in urban education. Most recently he was elected to serve as the first African-American officer of the Florida Education Association, where he will serve as Vice-President of the 140,000 member state-wide teachers union.

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.