ERIE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Erie's Public Schools Student Stairclimber Awards

Erie's Public Schools strives to always celebrate the success of our students. As part of that initiative, the Stairclimber Award is presented monthly at regular School Board meetings (from October through May) to one student from each building, recognizing their tenacity, grit and perseverance toward making improvements in their ABC's -- Attendance, Behavior and Classroom Performance.

The EPS Stairclimber Award, which stems from PA School Climate Data feedback and Strategic Plan Survey results, supports our district-wide movement of School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (SWPBIS).

Meet our October 2022 Stairclimbers!

K'Lup Austin-Davis, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 5th grade 

"K’Lup has made an amazing effort already this year to be to school on time every day. He stays awake in class and has been an active participant in his learning. He has been a positive addition to our 5th grade classroom and is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face whenever they see him. K’Lup has made so many people proud. He should be proud of himself too! He has shown a great deal of maturity in his behavior in comparison to previous school years."

Paris Bishop, Perry Elementary School, 5th grade

"Paris Bishop is a kind-hearted young man who has embodied Perry Elementary's GPS Expectations of Being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe this year. He is also putting forth his best effort in his classwork as well. ... So far, when I have had redirect him, he quietly responds and then corrects his behavior. I truly enjoy having him in my classroom and am looking forward to working with him throughout the remainder of the year."

Elizabeth Boldt, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 12th grade

"(Elizabeth) is a 12th grade student, and 4th year JROTC Cadet.  She has really stepped up by actively planning several Community Service events, fundraisers for our Service-Learning Projects, and school support events." 

Ezekiel "Zeke" Clayton, Lincoln Elementary School, 5th grade

"Zeke has improved his behavior and now he is a role model at our school. He is kind and considerate with other students and has even earned the leadership position of safety patrol. We are so proud of Zeke for working hard to meet his behavioral goals and we are very thankful to have him as a Lincoln Lion leader at our school. Way to go Zeke!"

Emmanuel "Manny" Dalton, Edison Elementary School, 4th grade

"It's great to have Manny back at Edison! Manny has grown into such a great young man while learning virtually for the last couple of years. We are impressed by Manny's growth, participation in class, and commitment to coming to school each day. We are happy for you, Manny, and we are so proud of you!"

Daeonna Hemphill, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson-Gridley, 12th grade

Alana Poston, Harding Elementary School, 2nd grade

"One of our teachers taught Alana a couple of years ago at Perry. Since that time, Alana has made huge progress in her desire to learn. She is at school and happy to help others. When this teacher first met her, Alana would cry daily and simply not want to be in class. Now she is smiling and interacting with other students and her new teacher. Alana is a wonderful example of a Harding Dragon."

Paris Robinson, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 5th grade

"Paris is a fifth-grade student in Ms. Carman's class at JoAnna Connell Elementary and is a great example of a Stairclimber! She came to our building new this year and is a standout Connell Cougar. You can always catch her being respectful, responsible, and safe while being a leader and role model for her classmates. Paris comes in every morning as a ray of sunshine with a smile on her face. Her energy is truly contagious. Paris is a hard worker that really cares about keeping up with her schoolwork and grades. She is also a great friend to everyone she meets. Paris is always the first to help out any teacher or student in need. Keep up the good work Paris! We are all proud of you and can't wait to see you flourish this year!"

Jesus Torres Rosario, Wilson Middle School, 8th grade

"Jesus has moved from a self-contained room to the honors class and has been doing outstanding to start the year. He has no behavior referrals so far and is getting all A's and B's in his core classes to start the year. The staff is impressed with his improvement and optimistic he will continue it the rest of the year. We always knew he had it in him!"

Harmony Thurston, McKinley Elementary School, 5th grade

"Harmony always participates in class, is very bright, and helpful to her classmates. She is working toward becoming a captain and has shown great improvement from last year."

Jessica Urso, Strong Vincent Middle School, 8th grade

"Victor Hugo once referred to 'perseverence as the secret of all triumphs' and Jessica Urso embodies these words in every single classroom every single day. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Jessica leans into every assignment, project, and lesson with an incredible amount of determination. Her willingness to persevere even when the going gets tough is why she's her teachers' unanimous choice for Strong Vincent's Stairclimber. Rock on, Jessica! With courage, she conquers."

Joaneliz Velazquez, East Middle School, 7th grade

"Joaneliz is in Mrs. Szkoda's LifeSkills classroom and has done a great job transitioning to middle school and has made great progress this year! She was nervous about the start of the school year, especially coming back to in-person learning after being virtual the past years. After the first few days, Joaneliz loved being back in school. She comes into school every day ready to see her teachers and friends. She works hard on all of her assignments and is always the first person to offer help to any of her classmates. We are so proud of the progress she has made so far! Great Job showing your WARRIOR POWER Joaneliz!"  

Bentley Vollmer, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 5th grade

"Bentley Vollmer is a 5th grade student here at Grover Cleveland Elementary School. He was nominated as our first stair climber for this school year. He earned this nomination because his teacher sees a student who is coming to school, ready to learn. This may have not always been the case with Bentley but with consistent reinforcement, he is focused on his academics and his behavior. He is maintaining solid grades through his core classes with no missing assignments. He continues to meet our SWPBIS expectations in and out of the classroom. We are very proud of Bentley and proud of the decisions he is making to better himself as a student. His attendance is nearly perfect. Bentley Vollmer is Grover Cleveland’s stair climber to begin our school year!" 

Rahaf Waleed, Jefferson Elementary School, 5th grade

"Rahaf exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding Bronco. She includes everyone and is always willing to help out. Rahaf is dedicated to her schoolwork, putting forth her best effort every day. Jefferson surely has one of a kind student and friend with Rahaf."

Ri'Marieon Wells-Walker, Diehl Elementary School, 1st grade

"Ri’Marieon Wells-Walker is always working hard to improve himself at school! He comes to school every day with a huge smile and is ready to learn! He brings joy to the entire class and is always cheering his classmates on! He works hard every week to meet his goals and I am proud to say every week he has met them! In reading, he is beginning to read words independently. He is very proud of himself and his success. His hard work and determination shows in his academic improvements! I am so glad that I got to be his teacher during summer school and now during the school year! I am so proud of him! I know he will continue to work hard, be kind, and bring smiles to everyone around him!"

Hassan Abdalla, Erie High School, 10th grade (not pictured)

"(Hassan) turned it around this year. Hassan is always polite and where he is supposed to be. He is doing a great job!!"

Terrion Hansbrew, Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, 8th grade (not pictured)

"Terrion has shown himself to be a leader through his actions . He is engaged with content, stays on task, and asks questions to clarify anything he doesn't know. He also helps others when they get off topic and is always trying to improve himself."