Stay Tuned to This Space for Reunion Details!
How to Post Your Reunion Announcement
VIEW ALL REUNIONS

Class News

VIEW ALL CLASS NEWS

Today's Featured Biography

Jerry Sutherland

Mr. Jerry Dean Sutherland was born on September 13, 1986 in Miami, Florida at Jackson Memorial Hospital to Mr. Jerry Dean Downs Jr.& Mrs. Latasha Sutherland Lawton. He is the oldest of six siblings D’Andre, Jeremy, Ronald, La’Monica, Quantarius, and NaJay.

Mr. Sutherland in his childhood years, was a student in the Miami-Dade County Public School system where he attended Brentwood Elementary earning both the honor roll and being named Student of the Month. After relocating to Liberty City in “the pork n beans” he continued his education at Charles R. Drew Middle School. During his junior high years he participated in several activities such as the track team, the “Marching Barracudas” Band, the producer for the barracuda news and a member of the Student Government Association.

While a student at Charles R. Drew Middle School he was inducted into the “I Have A Dream” Foundation. The “I Have A Dream” Foundation contributed items such as computers and also awarded funds towards a full scholarship to a Florida college or university of his choice. The scholarships didn't stop there. Jerry also was awarded a full scholarship from the 5000 Role Models of Excellence program. Jerry is pursuing a degree in Funeral Services at Miami Dade College North Campus, a Bachelors Degree in Pastoral Studies, a Masters Degree in Divinity and a Doctoral degree in Ministry at the South Florida’s Bible College & Theological Studies.

He continued his education at Miami Northwestern Senior High Community School. As a student of Miami Northwestern, he was an active member of several extracurricular activities. Mr. Sutherland was a Freshman Class Vice President, Sophomore Class Vice President, and Junior Class President. His reign in the Student Government Association did not stop there. He continued with five different positions during his senior year. He reigned as the Senior Class 2nd Vice President, Inter Club Council Vice President, Student Activities Director, Chairperson of the Political Action Committee and finally Chairperson of the Spirit Committee. Jerry also was a news anchor, technical director, news director, and producer for his television production class.

Needless to say all of this was done even while living in one of the roughest areas in the nation where many homicides, suicides and other crimes took place. Mr. Sutherland would say “It’s not where you come from, or who you kick it with, as long as you have a determination to achieve a goal you can do it. Being focused is the key to success. Never quit, even if times get rough keep your head up and remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you”

Although Jerry participated in these past activities he had many more accomplishments to complete such as the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (i.e. the FCAT). But with many prayers and his faith in God, he received notification that he had successfully completed and passed the test. Again, he gives thanks to God for the many things he have done in his life.

Mr. Sutherland was also a member of the City of Miami Police Departments Explorer program Post 162. During his four years with the Explorer post he managed to get promoted to the rank of Explorer Sergeant shortly after he joined.

Mr. Sutherland continued his leadership roles as the Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church Youth Minister. During his tenure at Sunrise he managed to put together a youth male chorus with six young men of God who didn’t mind singing for the Lord. As he would say “The title doesn’t make you, you make the title!” “I basically let the walks of my life speak for me. If you walk right people will have the tendency to follow in your footsteps. To God be the GLORY!”

In September of 2005 Jerry turned in an application to become a City of Miami police officer. The police department contacted Jerry and notified him that he has been excepted to go through the process in becoming a City of Miami police officer. In October of 2005 he started his process which entails many obstacles. After completion of the three month process, Jerry received a phone call that he had been hired for the position of Police Officer. In February of 2006, Jerry entered the police academy. “The academy was yet another challenge for me; however, I realized that I had prayed and asked the Lord to lead, guide and protect me in the walks towards a great prosperous career and yet again he made a way” Needless to say, Jerry after successfully completing the academy had to go to the next step which is the Police Officer State Exam. The exam was yet another obstacle for him but he was determined and yet again the Lord brought him through. “TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR ALL THE MARVELOUS THINGS HE HAS DONE”

On March 18, 2007, Jerry celebrated another milestone of his life. He celebrated his trial sermon and ordination.

VIEW ALL BIOGRAPHIES

U.S. Armed Forces

Class Poll

Featured Links

Visit Other Classes