Super Hero in the Works

By Melanie Mowry Etters

Philip Cheeseborough is delightful young man who works as an usher at Tallahassee AMC Theatres at Tallahassee Mall. After being on the job for more than a year, he is still thrilled with the opportunity to go to work.

“I like tearing tickets. It is fun. It’s really exciting working there. I love movies. I get to see free movies,” said Cheeseborough.

AMC Tallahassee Mall Senior Manager Chelsea Guinee said, “We love having Philip work at our theatre. Over the last eleven months, we have seen him open up around the other associates and feel that he is a great addition to our team.”

Cheeseborough receives services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).  He graduated in 2012 from Lawton Chiles High School. Cheeseborough attended a two year program at Tallahassee Community College called Eagle Connection which helps individuals with disabilities learn social and job skills to help them be successful in landing a permanent position in the workforce. As part of the program, Cheeseborough participated in several internships. He received his completion certificate in April 2014 and was ready to find a job.

In the fall of 2014, his job coach, Willie Miller, took him to conduct a job shadowing experience at AMC Theatres. Afterward, he completed an online application, and was called in for an interview. They offered him a job soon after.

Guinee said, “Philip brings many qualities to the job. Two of the things we love most about Philip are his work ethic and attention to detail. Philip is a very hard worker, and almost never has to be asked to do anything because he is already on top of it. When he is ushering, he pays very close attention to the theatres and cleans everything almost spotless. Philip's work ethic is exactly what we like to see from our associates.”

Cheeseborough said, “I like the people at work. They are nice and funny—some are a little crazy. We are a team.”

When he is not working, Cheeseborough stays extremely busy.  He is an accomplished artist and is currently taking a cartoon drawing class at the LeMoyne Art Gallery. He is working on a graphic novel that he hopes to publish in the future with super hero included.

In addition, he competes in Special Olympics in four sports winning first place ribbons or gold medals in each. Cheeseborough swims in freestyle and backstroke competitions. Also, he competes in bowling, biking, and weightlifting. He regularly qualifies to compete in the Special Olympics Summer State Games held in Orlando. He says he is very proud of his athletic accomplishments. “We follow the rules, do our best, and compete in the race. It helps my body out to get exercise. I go out there and have fun.”

 

Philip Cheeseborough.