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AM Higley: Meet Cheraad Mitchell '21

The Albert M, Higley Company was founded in 1925 by Case Western Reserve University civil engineering graduate Albert M. Higley. For almost a century, the company has constructed some of Ohio’s most distinctive landmarks such as Curtiss Wright Airport and Hangar in the 1930’s, Eaton Corporation’s headquarters in Beachwood, and proudly, Saint Martin’s new state of the art school building set to open in April. In their 93 years of existence, AM Higley has completed over 10,000 projects, totaling over $8 billion of construction for many of the region’s leading corporations. It’s a company proudly built on helping their clients realize their vision through honesty, trust, and mutual respect. It’s a formula that works!

Even with all their success in the Cleveland area, AM Higley has stayed true to its roots, giving back to a community who has given them so much throughout the decades. The company is a Corporate Work Study Program partner and employs one of the school’s great success stories, Ricardo Henry ‘09. Ricardo has served as the project engineer on the building of the new Saint Martin de Porres High School. “It’s a labor of love because I am giving back to a community that has given me so much.” He is very appreciative of the supervisors and mentors he had in his time at Saint Martin, and now he is taking on that role with freshman Cheraad Mitchell.

Cheraad’s days are never dull at AM Higley, and no 2 days are ever the same. He organizes information for his colleagues, conducts research for prospective projects and performs a variety of administrative duties. “I’m amazed at how professional he is, and how well he adapts to social settings,” says Anna Dodson, Vice President of Business Development. “Cheraad isn’t intimidated by being around older professionals, he just fits in, listens and does what we ask him to do and learns from it.” Dodson also added that the staff enjoys inviting Cheraad to participate in the interview process because he adds humor and makes meetings a little lighter by bringing his fun personality to the business setting.

Cheraad is really enjoying his time at AM Higley, and being a part of all the excitement surrounding what will be his new home very soon. “I like it a lot. They give me a good amount of work and it’s all very interesting. By watching how they go about their business, they are getting me ready for my future.” The freshman already knows what he wants that future to look like, designing video games and ultimately running his own video game company.

We are honored that AM Higley is one of over 130 corporate partners working with Saint Martin, and one of almost 3,300 nationwide partnering with the Cristo Rey Network of schools. “Education is key and if we are providing opportunities for young people to become educated on what it’s like to be in the real world and professional practices, it changes lives and makes our community better,” added Dodson. “This is a great program and I always encourage people to participate in CWSP.” You too can be involved with our unique Corporate Work Study Program, and help transform the lives of those underserved in our community. (hyperlink)