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    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 January 2024 Stairclimbers!

     

    Fawad Ansari, East's January Stairclimber, poses with his plaque, a family member, and Principal Koval.  

    Fawad Ansari, East Middle School, 7th grade

    "Fawad has done a great job this year - Fawad transitioned from East's Newcomer Academy to team 7B this year. During this transition, Fawad was able to maintain A's and B's as well as improve his behavior and make many new friends. We are proud of the leadership qualities that we see each day in Fawad - he can often be found be Ready, Responsible, and Respectful throughout the school day!" 

     

    Darius Bahling, Erie High's January Stairclimber, poses with his plaque, a family member, and AP Jeff Brzezinski.

    Darius Bahling, Erie High School, 11th grade

    "Darius has a 3.7 GPA, near perfect attendance, zero behavior events and is a very talented musician who played the mellophone this past season for the Erie High School Band."

     

    Zerenity Gambill-Tate, Jefferson's January Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members, and Principal Boam.

    Zerenity Gambill-Tate, Jefferson Elementary School, 2nd grade

    "Zerenity has come so far this year. She is becoming a leader in our classroom and working hard each day. Zerenity follows all of our SWPBIS expectations, being responsible, respectful, safe, and kind. She is always willing to help her teachers and classmates. Keep up the great work Zerenity. Jefferson is very proud of you."

     

    Bella Gatica, Lincoln's January Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, a family member, and Principal C.J. Huffman.

    Bella Gatica, Lincoln Elementary School, Kindergarten

    "We are so proud of Bella and the growth she has made with behavior at Lincoln. Bella came to Lincoln in Pre-K and had a challenging time managing her emotions. In Kindergarten, Bella has shown so much progress and is a role model to other friends in her class for making the right choices. Bella always has a smile and lights up the room when she arrives. We can't wait to see all of the wonderful goals she is going to accomplish at Lincoln. Way to go, Bella!"

     

    Zariyah Gimore, Harding's January Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members, and school staff.

    Zariyah Gimore, Harding Elementary School, 5th grade 

    "Zariyah Gilmore is a shining 5th grade student at Harding Elementary. Zariyah came to Harding in 3rd grade, and during her first year here, she struggled with following our school-wide behavior expectations and making positive choices. In the past two years, Zariyah has shown tremendous growth in her ability to utilize coping skills when she is frustrated and has built relationships with adults at school so that she knows where to turn if she is upset. She has not only made improvements in her behavior, but also her grades and attendance over the past three years. Zariyah is a respectful and dependable Harding Dragon, she is a good friend to others, and a role model to her peers."

     

    Messiah Mooney Hughes, Wilson's January Stairclimber, poses with his plaque, family members, and school staff.

    Messiah Mooney Hughes, Wilson Middle School, 6th grade

    "Messiah has done a great job transitioning to Wilson from elementary school. He is helpful and supportive to any student or staff member that he encounters. Wilson is so lucky to have him!"

     

    Blessing Kambowa, Grover Cleveland's January Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members, and school staff.  

    Blessing Kambowa, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 4th grade

    "Blessing has come such a long way this year with managing her feelings. She is so positive and hopeful. She is a leader in her class and works hard to maintain good grades. You should be so proud of yourself."

     

    Kamryn Knight, Strong Vincent's January Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members, and Ken Nickson.  

    Kamryn Knight, Strong Vincent Middle School, 6th grade 

    "When it comes to middle school rock stars, Miss Kamryn Knight should take home the Grammy! You name it, she's got it. Manners, charisma, positivity...she's a role model for our entire school community. Kamryn, we see you and thank our lucky stars you're a Colonel. It is our sincere pleasure to recognize Strong Vincent's Stairclimber - - Kamryn Knight. With courage, she conquers."

     

    Shattqwa Knight, Perry's January Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members, and school staff.

    Shattqwa Knight, Perry Elementary School, 2nd grade 

    "We are thrilled to nominate second grader Shattqwa Knight from Room 212, for the Perry December Stairclimber Award. Shattqwa has overcome many obstacles in just the first few months of this school year; personally, academically, & behaviorally. She is kind to others, she participates in class discussions, & is a great helper to everyone, including her teacher. She is growing immensely as a reader and writer. Way to go Shattqwa! You are our Perry Rockstar!"

     

    Mason Miller, Pfeiffer-Burleigh's January Stairclimber, poses with his plaque, family members and school staff.

    Mason Miller, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 2nd grade

    "We are amazed at how far Mason has come this year! This is his first year being fully included in the general education classroom. Mason comes to school everyday ready to learn and always does his best work. He is kind to others, shows respect and responsibility throughout the school day. We are just so proud of him!"

     

    Jihmeek Seawright, Diehl's January Stairclimber, poses with his plaque, family members, and school staff.

    Jihmeek Seawright, Diehl Elementary School, 4th grade

    "Jihmeek Seawright exemplifies what it means to be a Stairclimber. Jihmeek has made many improvements to his academics and behavior which can be observed by all staff in the building.  At the beginning of the year, he struggled with keeping his cool and using appropriate language. Now, Jihmeek takes accountability for his actions. He owns his actions and has become a leader in the classroom.  He strives to do his best each day and cares deeply about his schoolwork.  He comes to school with his homework completed and ensures he meets his goals. He is safe, respectful, and responsible.  He uses his manners when he needs something. Jihmeek is a part of our intramural program at school. He earned acceptance into the program by having 3 perfect weeks in a row.  Jihmeek also participates in PALS, where he has improved his leadership skills. He enjoys working with the officers and takes pride in being a Diehl Eagle. He ensures those around him can improve each day and he tries to build up our classroom. Jihmeek, you make Diehl proud, and you are shaping into an incredible young man.  Keep reaching your goals and never look back."

     

    Layleanna Torres, JoAnna Connell's January Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members, and school staff.

    Layleanna Torres, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 3rd grade 

    "Layleanna is prepared each day and is eager to learn. I've seen her put in a great deal of time out of school through various instructional platforms that have allowed her to grow both in reading and math. She will assist and model for her classmates any skill that they may struggle with. Layleanna is attentive to her school work, always asking questions, responding to instruction and appropriately sets a great example communicating while working in small groups. She has developed more ability to lead in the classroom, breaking out of her shell.  She is now what I like to call a dynamic leader."  

     

    Ethan Vaughn, Edison's January Stairclimber, poses with his plaque, family members, and school staff.

    Ethan Vaughn, Edison Elementary School, 3rd grade 

    "Ethan demonstrates every way to be kind to himself, kind to others, and kind to our school. Ethan puts his education first. He is always eager to learn and he studies hard. He is willing to help and is patient with his friends. Ethan knows all the expectations and sets an example for the rest of his classmates. He picks up the trash around the school and is quiet in the hallways. Ethan has shown a huge improvement from last year, and we are lucky to call him a super human!"

     

     

    Samir Armani, McKinley Elementary School, 2nd grade  (Not pictured)

    "Samir Armani exemplifies what it means to be a Stairclimber in Erie's Public Schools. He comes to school ready to learn with a smile on his face each day. It is evident that he has a phenomenal support system at home encouraging him to try his best. I am so proud of how far he has come with his academics this year so far. His love for learning is contagious, especially in math. He encourages other students to stay positive and try again if they are struggling. He has become much more confident in himself since August. Samir is a great example of a student who has ambition and extreme potential in his future."

    Arden Claudio, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 11th grade (Not pictured)

    "Arden Claudio has worked extremely hard in AP Psychology class. Her summative grades have continually improved from failing in Unit 1 to a solid C in Unit 4. She has demonstrated great tenacity in all aspects of class and has taken personal responsibility for improving her performance. Arden continues to personify our motto of Pride, Honor and Respect!"

    Janaya McCullum, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Sucess Center at Emerson-Gridley/EPS Cyber Choice Academy, 9th grade (Not pictured)

    "Janaya is a freshman in our EPS Cyber Choice Academy. She was struggling with the activities and attendance for the better part of the first quarter. Her mother was concerned if it was the right program for her. She then began to come to the cyber lab at Emerson-Gridley every afternoon to do her work. She also continued to work at home. Her attendance and activities have increased consistently to the point of being on pace to graduate on time. She is a diligent, nice, and affable student while in school, and a genuine joy to have in class."