Dr. Sam and Nernante Pierre-Louis are first-generation immigrants born in Haiti. Sam immigrated to Connecticut at age 8. Nernante, sensing that her future husband had left the island, immigrated to Connecticut at age 14. Although they attended the same high school, Sam doesn’t remember meeting her in high school, but Nernante has vivid memories of meeting this football player with his books in one hand and his violin in the other. They eventually met again in college at the University of Connecticut. They became best friends at first, then fell in love, and have been married for the past 22 years. They have three children, Alexi (17), Nathaniel (15), and Gabriel (11). The family moved to Hudson from sunny Southern California two years ago when Sam accepted a career opportunity with FirstEnergy Corporation.

Sam has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Engineering, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in Systems and Engineering Management – basically, a whole lot of math and analytics. He’s currently the Vice President of Information Technology at First Energy corp. Sam also enjoys giving back to the community, especially in the area of education for underprivileged youth. He donates his time and recruits others in support of the Akron Public School’s Academy initiative and is a board member of Summit Education Initiative, whose mission is to “improve personal and regional prosperity through increased educational attainment.” In his spare time, he likes to spend quality time with his family, watch football, and go to the shooting range.

Nernante has a BS in Family Studies and worked as a Case Manager/Social Work with the State of Georgia’s Department of Family and Children Services. Since the birth of their first child, Nernante has been a stay-at-home mom taking care of her three children and volunteering at church and in her community. When she is not running around with all the kids’ activities and managing the home, Nernante enjoys exercising, ladies' Bible study, and hanging out with her friends.

“We are a family who loves Jesus, and our faith is very important to us,” says Nernante. The family holds membership at Christ Community Chapel (CCC). The children are involved in the programs and enjoy growing in their faith.

 

Alexi is a senior in high school. She played volleyball during her freshman and sophomore year. Lexi loves to sing and draw. She’s a member of the school choir, and writing and comic clubs. Alexi also enjoys going to Porch, a youth group at CCC.

 

Nathaniel is in 9th grade and plays tennis at Western Reserve Racquet and Fitness Club. He also plays the tuba with the school band. He plays the guitar on the worship team for Porch.

Gabriel is a 6th-grader. He plays the violin with the school orchestra and also enjoys playing tennis. He’s learning to play the guitar because he enjoys playing with his brother. Gabriel is a member of Edge, a CCC youth group.

 

The family enjoys vacationing together in warm places. They love hanging out on white sandy beaches, sightseeing and touring new areas. They enjoy watching Food Channel programs such as Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. The family loves to laugh together. In fact, their absolute favorite thing to do is spending time laughing and telling jokes at the dinner table.

 

Even though Sam and Nernante were hoping to never go back to a cold state, they are thankful to be here! They chose to settle in Hudson because it reminds them of the towns in Connecticut, and they heard great things about the school system. It has proven to be a great place to live and continue to raise their family. Most of the people they’ve met are friendly and hospitable, which they find as a common trait in the Midwest.

They are trying to enjoy all that this area has to offer.