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Two Lions and their Cub

DeVonte’ and Nyterrien Smith are no strangers to the Saint Martin community. After graduating from Saint Martin in 2009, both set off to pursue their paths as young alumni. What they never imagined, was how their paths would circle back to the place they once called home. As high school sweethearts, alumni, Corporate Work Study supervisor, and now Saint Martin parents, Nyterrien and DeVonte’ are sharing their 360 perspective of Saint Martin.

As part of the 2nd graduating class of Saint Martin, both Nyterrien and DeVonte’ share fond memories from their high school experiences. Both recall the family atmosphere that supported them in every aspect and how teachers and staff ensured they never fell short or behind in achieving their goals. They particularly recall their Corporate Work Study experiences which both directly shaped their future careers. Nyterrien started her career in medical billing and coding thanks to the exposure she received to the clerical side of the medical field during her Corporate Work Study jobs at Medical Mutual and St. Vincent Charity Hospital. This led to her working 7 years at University Hospitals as a medical biller and now as a medial coder at Cleveland Clinic.

DeVonte’s Corporate Work Study experience had an even more direct impact. Despite his young age, he has been an employee at Shurtape Technologies LLC for 18 years. He started working at 14 years old in 2005 in Corporate Work Study and has grown his career there ever since. But not only that, DeVonte’ also has the unique opportunity to serve as a mentor to 4 students through his role as a Corporate Work Study Supervisor at Shurtape. He shares, “I love being a CWS Supervisor because I understand where students are coming from when they walk through the door. I’ve seen both sides of the spectrum and feel this helps me give advice and offer guidance. It’s really great to be on the other side of it now and be able to help Saint Martin students understand the importance of their jobs.”

Although most alumni’s connection to Saint Martin stops there, Nyterrien and DeVonte’ play an even bigger role as now parents to Class of 2024, Dorien. When thinking about where they wanted to send him to high school both Nyterrien and DeVonte’ knew choosing Saint Martin was a no brainer. Nyterrien shares, “We wanted him to go to a high school that cares about him and encourages him to not only follow through at school but also at home. We still had connections to many people at Saint Martin and knew it was the right fit. Dorien is known as being one of the 1st generation students which I think he enjoys.” While laughing Nyterrien adds, “Although sometimes I think he wishes it was not the case, because he knows if he ever does something wrong, we will know about it.”

Both Nyterrien and DeVonte’ have enjoyed experiencing the “enhanced” Saint Martin through Dorien’s eyes. Although they see many similarities to their own high school experiences such as a supportive atmosphere and staff members as an extension of their family, they have also enjoyed watching the school grow over the years. From the beautiful new building, unending resources, new academic programs, clubs, activities, and opportunities, they are proud to see how the school is evolving as it continues to grow in its 20th year.

From finding love, career paths, mentorship moments, and now opportunities for the next generation, Nyterrien and DeVonte’ have an all-inclusive Saint Martin perspective that allows them to gain important insight and receive the full Saint Martin experience.