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MYCP Leaders Sutter, Cooke Recognized as ‘Unsung Heroes’ by Red Cross

KEY WEST (508 words) – Monroe Youth Challenge Program District Prevention Coordinator Michele Sutter was recognized in Key West Feb. 1 at the Unsung Heroes luncheon sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.

Sutter was selected by the Red Cross, along with Coral Shores High School Teacher Cheryl Cooke, for the many MYCP projects they collaborated on in a partnership with the Red Cross. Sutter and Cooke were two of 68 people recognized at the luncheon.

“Due to Michele’s passion and tremendous talent at cross-training many Red Cross programs have been implemented in the high school and middle schools,” said MYCP Director Sunny Booker.

For example, Sutter received a Florida Learn and Serve grant to start a Measles Initiative at Plantation Key School which resulted in students writing, illustrating and publishing an original children’s book as well as creating a campus-wide campaign.

Stockings for Troops was another Red Cross initiative Sutter coordinated. Sutter recruited 25 students from the Coral Shores High School Leadership Class, the Upper Keys and Middle Keys Seasons of Service Teams, and the youth group from San Pedro Catholic Church to appeal to the community for support. By doing this, students gained empathy, learned how to plan ahead, and grasped that their own life has a purpose. The students raised nearly $3,000.

Sutter introduced the idea of a Red Cross club at Coral Shores and Cooke serves as the club sponsor. Sutter is certified to teach Humanity in the Midst of War, an International Humanitarian course. While it is targeted for college students and adults she teaches it to high school students. Through MYCP, Sutter established the Seasons of Service Team, a youth club in which the members serve as Red Cross volunteers engaged in MYCP activities.

The CFFK recognized Sutter and Cooke because they take the lead to help recruit, train and mentor Red Cross youth volunteers. Through their leadership these youth have been given the opportunity to learn lifesaving skills, develop leadership skills and prepare them to come of age as caring, trustworthy and effective young people.

Sutter adds, “Working with youth on Red Cross projects gives them great opportunity to apply the humanitarian principles taught in an IHL course. Being an IHL instructor gives me the chance to teach ethics and the humanitarian values that are so important to be global citizens.”

In its seventh year, this annual Unsung Heroes luncheon brings together the nonprofit community with the major philanthropic individuals and entities to honor those who have answered the call of volunteerism and made valuable contributions to their respective groups throughout the year.

Dianna Sutton, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys when Sutton said, “Our lives and the quality of life in the Keys are greatly enhanced by the nonprofit community and the generous nature of the people of Monroe County.”

MYCP is a grass-root, non-profit organization whose mission is to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information call MYCP Director Sunny Booker at (305) 293-1400 ext. 53319 or go to www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp.