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 February 2023 Stairclimbers!

Ne'asiah Aukett, Erie High School, 10th grade

"Ne'asiah is a great student with a wonderful supportive home. She has great attendance and grades. She would sometimes roam the building and be tardy to class and wouldn't like to be redirected. She has completely turned that around. Ne'asiah has great attendance, behavior and grades. She is a leader in the building and is often telling other students in her peer group to go to class. Her leadership is greatly appreciated by all staff at Erie High. We have no doubt that Ne'ashiah is going to accomplish great things! Ne'ashiah is respectful, responsible and resilient. Erie High is proud of you!"

Jeremi Rios Carmona, Strong Vincent Middle School, 8th grade

"Diligence is the beginning of brilliance. No one lives up to these words more than eighth grader, Jeremi Rios Carmona. As the unanimous choice by his teachers, they credit his academic achievements to his tenacity and true diligence. Jeremi, it's been our honor to teach you these past three years and we're all looking forward to watching you rock high school. Never give up...never give in...and never forget you're a COLONEL. With courage, he conquers."

Rasheeda Cooley, Wilson Middle School, 7th grade

"Rasheeda has done an outstanding job bringing up her grades and conintually being a super student at school. Any student or staff member who is around her is better for interacting with her. Wilson is lucky to have her."

Mohamad Ebo, Diehl Elementary School, 2nd grade 

"Mohamad has consistently demonstrated what a caring and helpful young learner looks like in, and outside the classroom. He truly has become a role model for the other students in second grade and is beginning to take off in class. Mohamad’s positive attitude and perseverance to do his best in all his classes is inspiring and has shifted this year and helped change others too."

Derryanna Freeman, East Middle School, 7th grade

"Derryanna has made improvements in her grades and behavior during the 2022-2023 school year. Derryanna has significantly reduced her number of behavior referrals nearly eliminating them and has been recognized by staff as a student leader, Derryanna can often be found assisting peers and staff all while having a positive attitude. Derryanna is a joy to have in class and always shows her WaRRioR Power!"

Stella Fromyer, Jefferson Elementary School, 2nd grade

"Stella is new to Jefferson this year. Last year and did not have the best attendance or grades. She transfered to Jefferson this year for second grade and is excelling. Stella has perfect attendance thus far for the whole school year. She has honor report cards and is a classroom leader. Stella is very respectful and helps out in any way she can. Her goal is to have perfect attendance and honor cards for the entire second grade school year."

Brandon Hope, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson-Gridley/Cyber Choice Academy, 10th grade

Faida Malango, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 1st Grade 

"Faida was one of the shyest students here at Grover Cleveland. However, she is really coming out of her shell. She is participating in class, reading, and sharing ideas. While she started off shy, she is also building new friendships with her peers. She has embraced the Cougar PAWS pledge. She is doing her BEST and trying very hard. She represents one Cool Cougar!" 

Deshawn Roberts, Jr., Harding Elementary School, 5th grade 

"Deshawn is a student who always tries to put his best foot forward. When he is given a task, he needs only to be told once how to complete it. His work ethic has become very strong this year and he has learned to push through anything that gets in his way to get to his goals. He is also kind to other students and quietly will take the hand of a confused younger student to help them as they need it. We are so proud of Deshawn!" 

Katora Spain, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 5th grade

"Katora has turned it around this year. She is completing her work and helping others. She was selected as a 'Peer Mediator' and has perfect attendance. We are so proud of how much she has grown since 4th grade!" 

Justice Speed, McKinley Elementary School, 2nd grade

"Justice Speed exemplifies what it means to be a Stairclimber in Erie's Public Schools. She comes to school ready to learn with a smile on her face each day. It is evident that she has a phenomenal support system at home encouraging her to try her best each day. She has come so far academically in both math and reading. Her DIBELS scores have reached above grade level, and it is evident that she has worked so hard to achieve this! Justice is not only soaring academically, but I have seen a huge improvement in her behavior overall. She is more attentive and always willing to lend a helping hand to peers and around the classroom. She has become much more confident in herself since August. She is extremely respectful, responsible, safe and prepared, which follows all of McKinley’s PBIS expectations. Justice is a great example of a student who has ambition and extreme potential in her future."

RodJerique Thompson, Jr., Edison Elementary School, 3rd grade

"Oprah Winfrey has said, 'The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude,' and we are so excited to recognize RodJerique for his growth this school year! RodJerique's teacher, Bekah Doerr says this: Rodjerique has made exponential behavioral growth this year. He has learned how to be kind to others and our school by using kind words and controlling his emotions. He is also safe and quiet in the hall. He makes responsible choices in class by following directions the first time they are given, and trying his very best academically. Rodjerique is not afraid to ask for help and shows up to school, every day, with a new start to each day, and positive goals for himself! Congratulations RodJerique! We celebrate you today and always!"

Meelion Williams, Lincoln Elementary School, 2nd grade

"Meelion has grown leaps and bounds with his behavior this year. He always remembers to be responsible and respectful in the hallway. He also is very kind and respectful to his classmates. He is responsible and on task with getting his work done in class. We are so proud of how Meelion is remembering to R.O.A.R. at Lincoln! Way to go, Meelion!"   

Noah Williams, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 1st grade

"Noah is a model student for our Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, motto here at Joanna Connell. He is a sweet boy who is a joy to see every day. He has many friends whom he shows empathy towards and is always trying to help everyone around him. He loves to give hugs to others and cheer them up when they need it. He is a hard worker who has improved his reading skills in just a few short months. His ability to pay attention and follow directives has drastically increased and has made me so proud. He has worked on self-control and has shown huge strides with his ability to deescalate. Noah is an all around great student, who is a pleasure to have in class."      

Emma Zagurska, Perry Elementary School, 1st grade

"Emma is from the Ukraine and has made so much progress with her language, social skills, sounds, letters and LOVES math! Emma had a difficult time leaving mom and cried many mornings and that has stopped now too! She comes in with a smile and says hello, participates in class, and we love having her in Room 103!"      

Jaraiya Barnes, Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, 8th grade (Not pictured)

"Jaraiya has put in diligent work this quarter and it is reflected in her grades. She has continuously pushed herself to improve. She adds greatly to classroom discussions and is respectful to her teachers and others in the classroom. Jaraiya is a pleasure to have in class."

Torrin Dixson, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 9th grade (Not pictured)

"We would like to recognize and honor Torrin Dixson as our Stairclimber for this month. Across this school year, Torrin has demonstrated growth in his academic classes, exhibits a positive attitude, and works hard in class. In Concert Band, Torrin has improved so much since the beginning of the year. He is focused and has excelled in his musicianship as a result. We are proud of his achievements."  

Deshawn Roberts, Jr., Harding Elementary School, 5th grade (Not pictured)

"Deshawn is a student who always tries to put his best foot forward. When he is given a task, he needs only to be told once how to complete it. His work ethic has become very strong this year and he has learned to push through anything that gets in his way to get to his goals. He is also kind to other students and quietly will take the hand of a confused younger student to help them as they need it. We are so proud of Deshawn!"