Robeson County Educator Decides to Lose Weight to Better Influence Students

ROBESON COUNTY, NC (WTVD) — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease remains a leading cause of death among black men.

Educator Glenn Sutton decided to take control of his health to better influence his Robeson County students.

Sutton is passionate about helping youth and has decades of experience in high schools. He now works at Parkton Elementary School. He is the ISS Coordinator and works double shifts driving school buses in the morning and afternoon.

“He is one of the most positive people I have ever met. He not only makes sure he is positive for our child, but he is also a positive influence on our staff,” said Principal Jennifer West.

However, behind his big smile, Sutton was slowly dying and said he went to the hospital with chest pains.

At 6 feet 1 inches tall and weighing more than 300 pounds, Sutton juggled a knee replacement, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. He told ABC11 he took 10 medications a day.

Sutton’s wife of 32 years was worried.

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“I have friends who have had heart attacks and passed away, I didn’t want that to happen to us. I want us to be able to see our grandchildren. I want him to walk our daughter down the aisle,” Djuna Sutton said.

According to the CDC, more than 50% of black men have high blood pressure, and heart disease is a leading cause of death. On the advice of his doctor, Sutton decided to have gastric bypass surgery.

“I had surgery, since then my life has changed. I look different. No more pain, no more medication, I feel good,” he said.

In his first month of recovery, Sutton lost 40 pounds and hopes to reach his goal weight in the coming months. He said with more mobility, he can keep up with his students and hopes to encourage and inspire them.

“I hope to do some plays at my school. I look forward to working with my administrators. I will do whatever I can to improve,” Sutton said.