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 April 2024 Stairclimbers!

Odai Alkhalaf, Pfeiffer Burleigh Elementary School, 2nd grade

Jasen Bolorin, Wilson Middle School, 6th grade

"Jasen Bolorin has shown great progress academically. His motivation for success has increased his participation, engagement, and drive to help his peers. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Our team is eager to see the continued progress Jasen strives to achieve."

Shyann Carr, Lincoln Elementary School, 1st grade

"We are so proud of the effort that Shyann is giving and the progress that she is making. Earlier in the year, Shyann was struggling with attendance and academics. Shyann has now had perfect attendance for an entire month! She has also be working very hard academically and recently scored 100% on a spelling test. We are so proud of Shyann and know she will continue to grow and meet her goals as a Lincoln Lion!"

Mariano Dominick, Harding Elementary School, 1st grade

"We are so proud of Mariano Dominick. Mariano came here with severe separation anxiety. He cried all day long to the point of being sick, he would never complete assignments, and he never played with friends. Mariano also missed a lot of days of school because of his anxiety. Now, Mariano comes to school every day and he is doing very well! He is one of the top students in math, and he loves being here!"

Jordyanna Estrada, McKinley Elementary School, 5th grade

"She has done nothing but improve throughout 5th grade. She has been willing to talk things out when drama was surrounding her. She has been willing to walk away from challenging students. Jordyanna is very supportive of her friends. She has also made great improvements in her academics. She continues to improve her reading scores and has worked really hard at her math skills....at school and at home. Jordyanna has demonstrated how hard work and practice leads to success. Congratulations, Jordyanna!"

Ronald Gillespie, Erie High School, 11th grade

"Ronald has had a wonderful school year. He is always positive when you see him. His grades, attendance, behavior have continually improved over his time (at Erie High). Ronald is a model student. He is respectful, responsible, and resilient. We are very proud of Ronald!"

Santana Hollingsworth, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Sucess Center at Emerson Gridley/EPS Cyber Choice Academy, 1st grade

"Santana has made tremendous progress this year. His positive attitude and smile are contagious. Santana is willing to ask for help. He is resilient when things get tough. Santana is respectful to his classmates and teachers. He is a gentleman and encourages others to do their best. Way to go, Santana. Your Emerson-Gridley family is very proud of you!" 

 

 

Ashish Khadka, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 4th grade

"Ashish has grown so much during his time at Grover Cleveland! This August, Ashish started a brand-new school in a brand-new state. I'm sure this was a difficult transition, but he has been such a rock star through it all. At the beginning of the year, Ashish was very quiet and reserved. He didn't participate much in class and struggled in both reading and math. Throughout this school year he has shown so much improvement! He has moved up in his reading level and has earned a 100% on the last 3 math assessments! His hard work and determination does not go unnoticed! He never hesitates to ask for help when he needs it and has put his all into earning good grades! Additionally, Ashish also earned the "Cool Cougar" award for always being respectful, responsible, and safe! As his teacher, I am so proud of how far he has come, and I love seeing the smile on his face as his confidence continues to grow in his academics. Ashish, never stop reaching for the stars. Your future is bright!"

 

Lillyanna Lipinski, Jefferson Elementary School, 2nd grade 

"Lillyanna attended Erie Rise last year and struggled to adjust to the academics at Jefferson at the beginning of the year. She has since learned, however, how to be a responsible student and focus on her work. She tries her best to pay attention, and it shows in her reading and math work. In math she is excelling, and her reading is progressing very well. I am so proud of her for working hard in school. Keep it up Lilly!"

 

 

Ty'Jayia McKines, Edison Elementary School, 1st grade 

"It has been said that the greatest glory lies not in never failing, but in rising every time you fall.....Ty'Jaiya is an amazing example of rising to greater heights each and every time there is an opportunity for growth. Ti'Jaiya is a bright young star and is delightful to be around. She works hard each day to manage her choices and keep a positive attitude. We are fortunate to be greeted by her smiling face each day!"

 

 

Jaylen "J.J." Mook Medina, Strong Vincent Middle School, 8th grade

"When talking with our Stairclimber's teachers this month, they both teared up at the thought of him leaving Strong Vincent in June. According to them, this young man is absolute perfection. Kind....hard-working....respectful. He's won just about every award we give at S.V. and it's fitting he ends his middle school career by being named our Stairclimber. Erie High Royals - - you're blessed to have this Colonel joining your ranks in the fall. Let's give it up for Jaylen "J.J." Mook Medina. With courage, he conquers."

 

Mohammed Shekho, East Middle School, 6th grade

"Mohamad has made tremendous progress in our classroom. Mohamad came new to East Middle at the beginning of the year and attended our ELL program. Once moving to his current classroom, he was able to quickly learn how to use a communication device to communicate his wants and needs. He is a fast, motivated learner who is always trying to be helpful to his classmates and teachers."   

 

 

David Vactor, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 1st grade 

 

"David comes to school each day on time and is ready to learn.  He demonstrates that he is responsible by always having his homework completed, follows all school rules and has GREAT behavior.  Even though he has only been in school for a couple of months, he is a sponge and is learning new concepts quickly and this is evident in the growth he is making. He consistently gives 110% in everything he does! We are so proud of you, David!"  

 

  

Durfey Wells, Perry Elementary School, 4th grade

"Our Perry Stairclimber Student is Mr. Durfey Wells. He has shown such progress since the beginning of the year meeting him. He is a sweet, fun, and energetic student who used to have behavioral concerns throughout the school day multiple times a day. He has reduced his instances of behavioral instances considerably. He used to shut down and have behavioral concerns when it was time to do school work and would even rip up the work. Since joining his classroom, he has also been completing the bulk of his work and is able to showcase his reading comprehension skills and amazing math skills. He is the first student to ask to do math work every day. Durfey enjoys being the teacher’s helper, line leader, and getting to show off his athletic abilities. He has shown tremendous growth behaviorally, which in turn is helping him academically. His parents have been very supportive and his teacher explains, "It has been a pleasure to have Durfey in my classroom so far this year and to be able to work with him and his family." 

 

Ta'ajshanique Lockett, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 9th grade (not pictured)

"Ta'ajshanique defies our expectations. She is enrolled at Collegiate Academy where she can focus on her core classes and every morning, she is at EHS as a CTE student in the medical assistant program. Tay, as she likes to be called, earned a 3.5 GPA in the first semester and her grades are increasing this quarter. Not only is she successful in her academics, but Tay plays both Volleyball, #13- OH, OP - and Girls Basketball #13 - point guard - for the Royals. In fact, this season she played both JV BB and was slotted a spot to play Varsity going to the district playoffs with the team. Ta'ajshanique continues to improve and dedicate herself to achieving her goals. She demonstrates self-pride, school pride, respect, honor, resiliency, and responsibility - modeling the character traits we hope for all who attend Erie Public Schools."