Sohir Soliman just loves the students, staff, and community that compose the Cuyahoga Heights Schools (CHS). “People always ask, ‘How come you never miss work? I tell them my family is counting on me. And I love my work,’” she explained.
On Mondays, Soliman arrives at school at 8 a.m. and works as a substitute custodian for 12 hours. Tuesday through Friday, she works in the cafeteria during the morning and afternoon, where she serves the students lunch and cleans the trays and counters. Then, she spends the late afternoons and evenings cleaning the building. This includes everything from emptying trash, to mopping and vacuuming floors, to wiping down desks, and cleaning the bathrooms.
Soliman says working at CHS “has taught me patience and how to be more loving and more giving.” She is especially fond of serving lunch to the preschoolers at the Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School. “When the preschoolers come through the line, I just give them all the time they need to make up their mind and choose their food,” she says. “I love to do my job, and I love to see the kids. I am happiest when I am doing for others.”
Her strong commitment to the students, staff, and families is what propelled her into the Staff Spotlight for October. According to Assistant Treasurer Kathy Martin, who nominated her, Soliman exemplifies the very best qualities of a Cuyahoga Heights employee: honesty, compassion, generosity, and humility.
“Sohir is known for her incredible reliability, dependability, and unmatched work ethic – qualities reflected in her many annual perfect attendance awards achieved by not taking even a single sick day. She continually goes above and beyond by willingly assisting wherever help is needed, often stepping in as a substitute custodian or cafeteria worker during the day, while maintaining a positive attitude, humility, and deep care for others. Her kindness and thoughtfulness shine through in countless ways.”
Soliman is proud of her grandson, Adham Gharib, a junior at Cuyahoga Heights High School. “He teaches me as much as I teach him,” she says. In her spare time, she likes to sew and cook Egyptian dishes. “When I make my macarona béchamel recipe – a dish similar to Italian lasagna -- my neighbor will smell it baking and be on my front porch!” she said. And when she is alone, Soliman likes to belly dance. “I blast my favorite music and dance and sing. It is my favorite way to relax! But NEVER in front of anyone!”