During his recent visit last month, CBS4 Sports Anchor Jim Berry spoke, danced, and even rapped before the secondary students at Dade Christian School.
Berry has won five Emmys and is a three time Best of Miami winner. He is also a recipient of the Silver Circle of Excellence award for a distinguished journalism career from the Suncoast chapter of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences.
The charismatic sports anchor from Chicago motivated the students to make a difference and shared that the first step is getting out of one’s comfort zone. “If you want to make a difference, you have to get out of your camp.”
Berry, who graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, has interviewed some of the biggest names in professional sports: Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Venus and Serena Williams, Sugar Ray Leonard, and more. Berry shared the four critical qualities that have helped guide each of these athletes toward success – dedication, discipline, determination, and diversity.
Berry also encouraged the students to be knowledgeable and informed about their cultural history. “Understand where we [as a society] have been so you can take us to the next level. That's the bottom line. I stand here before you as someone who has benefited from someone else pushing the needle forward.”
A man of faith, Berry recognizes God’s blessings in his life, especially when it comes to his career. “God has allowed me to cover 3 World Series, 4 NBA finals, 5 College Championship Games, and 7 Super Bowls.
The students, faculty, and staff at Dade Christian School were excited to host Berry. His message of perseverance resonated with the audience and encouraged the students to strive for a better tomorrow.
Berry is currently the weeknight Sports Anchor for CBS4 News, and he also anchors CBS4’s Miami Dolphin coverage and Sports Rap. He is married and has two children.