Mr. James Higdon ’10 Receives Amazing Catholic Educator Award

James Higdon ’10 Named Amazing Catholic Educator Award Recipient by Catholic Foundation of Michigan

Brother Rice High School is proud to celebrate James Higdon ’10, who has been recognized by the Catholic Foundation of Michigan as a recipient of the Amazing Catholic Educator Award, one of the highest honors for teachers within the Archdiocese of Detroit.

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding Catholic school educators who are building faith-filled, academically excellent, and sustainable school communities. Mr. Higdon’s recognition places him among the top Catholic educators in Michigan and highlights the strength of Brother Rice High School’s commitment to excellence in education.

This honor reflects a pattern, not a moment. Just last year, Mr. Higdon was named the Bishop John M. Quinn Archdiocese of Detroit High School Teacher of the Year for 2024–2025, further affirming the consistent impact he continues to make in Catholic education.

For the past decade, Mr. Higdon has served as an Engineering and Math teacher at Brother Rice, shaping both the academic and spiritual formation of his students. His approach in the classroom is anything but ordinary. Through hands-on, experiential learning, students are challenged to solve complex real-world engineering problems with purpose and precision.

His impact is not theoretical. It is brought to life by his students.

Mr. Higdon has played a leading role in advancing the Brother Rice Engineering program, helping position the school at the forefront of STEM education in Michigan. As one of only three educators in the state selected to pilot Purdue University’s SCALE K-12 Microelectronics Engineering curriculum, he is introducing students to advanced technology, circuit design, and one of the fastest-growing fields in engineering.

Among his most notable work is his “Rolling the Dice” unit, where students design and fabricate an electronic dice simulator from scratch. It is demanding, detailed, and deeply rewarding. The experience reflects both the rigor of the program and the high expectations that define a Brother Rice education.

Yet, what defines Mr. Higdon most is not simply innovation, but intention.

Described as “a true disciple of Christ,” his faith is evident in both his teaching and his mentorship. Through high expectations, disciplined structure, and genuine care for each student, he models a standard of excellence that extends beyond the classroom. He forms young men who understand that success is not only measured by achievement, but by character rooted in faith.

At Brother Rice High School, that distinction matters.

We congratulate Mr. Higdon on this well-deserved honor and are grateful for the example he sets each day, one rooted in faith, driven by purpose, and committed to forming the next generation of leaders.