Ernest Higginbotham II ’10 graduated from Williams College in 2015 with his B.A. in Mathematics. During his time at Williams, Ernest lettered in both football and lacrosse. On the gridiron, the four-year letter winner was named a team captain in 2013 and worked as an assistant coach in 2014. Furthermore, Ernest twice served as a speaker on Claiming Williams Day, a day in which all classes are suspended and the campus engages in events and discussions about building and sustaining a more inclusive community. In 2021, he received his M.A. in Mathematics from Villanova University. 

After working as a Select Services Representative at Vanguard for 18 months, Ernest transitioned careers in 2017 and began working as a Mathematics Instructor at The Hill School. In addition to his classroom responsibilities at Hill, he serves as Dorm Head and an assistant coach in football and girls’ basketball. Reflecting on his transition, Ernest states, “I chose to become a teacher because I wanted to help young people achieve their goals in all aspects of their life. I find this experience very challenging, but very rewarding. To be able to be a part of a student’s life in the classroom, on the athletics field, in the arts, and in the dorm allows me to see students grow and participate in that growth as well.” 

Prior to his time at Williams, Ernest was a WFS student. At Friends, Ernest was a member of the football, basketball, and lacrosse teams while also being a member of the Black Student Union and Welcome Committee. A recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, he earned 11 varsity letters and served as a team captain in both basketball and lacrosse as a senior. 

His advice to the Class of 2023? “Cherish the moments and work really hard! My best friends are the ones I made during high school and I think about the times we spent together often.”

 

Great work, Ernest!