Student Stairclimber Award / March 2025 Stairclimbers

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 March 2025 Stairclimbers!

Sa'vion Boyd, Lincoln Elementary School, kindergarten

"We are very proud to nominate Sa'vion Boyd for our March Stairclimber. Sa'vion has been working hard and showing great growth in his Skills lessons. He has been completing many iReady lessons and he has been focused on always showing what it means to R.O.A.R. with positive behavior at Lincoln. Keep up the great work, Sa'vion."

Aalijha Carson, McKinley Elementary School, 4th grade

"Since the beginning of the year, Aalijah has made incredible growth. Early in the year Aalijha struggled to remain in his seat, stay quiet during instruction, complete his work, and keep his hands to himself. As we have moved through the school year, Aalijha has shown that he can do all of these things and more! Aalijha is helpful, respectful to his peers and adults, he participates in class and completes his assignments. He has made growth in math and language arts classes. Aalijha doesn't let frustration get the best of him! He knows how to gather himself back together when he is overwhelmed. We are extremely proud of Aalijha and everything he has accomplished so far this school year. We can't wait to see how much more he grows the rest of the year."

Azaria Fitzgerald-Mendez, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson Gridley/Erie's Public Schools Cyber Choice Academy, 8th grade

"Azaria Fitzgerald-Mendez, an 8th grade student at Erie's Cyber Academy, hasn't always had an easy path. Despite the obstacles life has thrown her way, she is an amazing young lady! She is bright and intelligent, answers questions in class when called upon, is creative, and a good friend to others. When she first started cyber school, she got behind. The workload is heavy in the cyber program, but she started making up assignments, and she's finally caught up with passing grades in all of her classes. Recently she scored a 100% on her math exam- not an easy thing to do! Azaria enjoys art, reading, and hanging out with her friends.We commend Azaria for all of her hard work. Remember, Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future!"

Oliver Goodwill, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, kindergarten

"Oliver has had a complete change in behavior and attitude since the beginning of the year. He has turned into a role model. Oliver is attentive and positive toward all. He has been on track since November with positive behaviors and there have been no discipline referrals!"

Aidan Johnson, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 10th grade

"Aidan Johnson has shown great growth this year in his grades as well as his interpersonal skills. Aidan is always respectful and kind to his peers and teachers. When Aidan starts to struggle with grades, he always asks for help, so he does not slip back into old habits."

Marleah Lindsey, Perry Elementary School, 5th grade

"Marleah demonstrates an excellent academic record, having received all A's since she has started in Erie's Public Schools. Her effort does not go unnoticed and she takes great pride in her work. She also is a Perry Navigator, Pathfinder, and Defender. Perry Pathfinders are chosen by teachers and staff as leaders in the building who can assist with school events and help in the Kindergarten students during their breakfast time. As a Perry Defender, she instills the anti-bullying initiative by working with other Defenders to eliminate and stop bullying from happening among their peers. Even this year, she enrolled in the PAL program quickly becoming a role model for the younger students in the program. She even created an art piece for the auction at the 2025 PAL Ball. As a Perry Admiral, she truly is a leader in being safe, respectful, and responsible and we are very proud of her! Congratulations, Marleah!"

KaLiyah McGhee, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 1st grade

"KaLiyah came to first grade not knowing any letter sounds, as she didn't attend kindergarten. She has made amazing progress and is reading on grade level. She is a hard worker and loves school. She comes every day ready to do her best! I am so proud of her effort and success."

Unique Merritte, Erie High School, 12th grade

"I’d like to take a moment to highlight the incredible progress of one of our students, Unique Merritte. Unique has shown tremendous improvement in both her attendance and work ethic, which truly deserves recognition. Her dedication to her studies and consistent effort are a testament to her commitment to succeed. It’s clear that Unique is taking her education seriously, and her growth is inspiring to everyone around her. We are proud of the hard work she’s put in, and I’m excited to see all the great things she will continue to achieve moving forward. Keep up the excellent work, Unique!"

Maddilynn Mezzacapo, Wilson Middle School, 7th grade

"Maddie has grown so much over the first semester! She has shown growth in both academics and behavior. Maddie is on-task, focused during instructional time, and continually asks for help and support when needed. Her grades and behavior reflect the positive changes she has worked so hard on. Maddie is a fantastic friend and a great role model for her peers. We couldn’t be prouder of the growth she has shown!"

Areyiah Scott, Edison Elementary School, 4th grade

"Areyiah has grown so much in her time being in fourth grade. She is remaining inside the classroom, participating in discussions about learning, and always completing her work! She goes out of her way to be helpful both inside and outside the classroom. She is a lunch helper and helps a whole first grade table every day during lunch. She is an outstanding example of what it means to be respectful, helpful, and successful."

Sidney Sparks, Jr., Harding/Edison Elementary Schools, 2nd grade

"Sidney has made significant progress both behaviorally and academically. Sidney comes to school with a big smile on his face every day. He stays on task, follows classroom expectations, and is helpful in the classroom. Sidney has a positive attitude toward learning and strives to do his best. Academically, he has made huge strides in both reading and math. He has mastered his goals set at the beginning of the year and is close to meeting his new goals. Sidney raises his hand to participate, completes all of his assignments, and works well independently. He is eager to learn and takes pride in his achievements. We are so proud of Sidney and all of the progress he has made!"

Serenity Young, Diehl Elementary School, kindergarten

"I am so excited to name Serenity Young as Diehl's Stairclimber of the month. She has made outstanding progress this year in Literacy Skills. Serenity performed at Well Below on the DIBELS assessment at the beginning of the year and at mid-year performed at Benchmark. Due to Serenity's perseverance, enthusiasm, and positive attitude she was able to achieve "well above average growth" when reaching her individualized, literacy goals. Congratulations on your success! You make Diehl proud!"

Not pictured:

Zay Cambra, Strong Vincent Middle School, 8th grade

"Zay Cambra is what we'd call a "fan favorite" at Strong Vincent. This young man's love for life is contagious. When he comes into a room - the positivity level increases 100%. Zay - we'll miss your friendly face, your encouraging comments, and your incredible voice. Make us proud, Zay!"

Akyng Condon, Jefferson Elementary School, 1st grade

"Akyng Condon has made great strides this year. His reading has improved significantly, and it’s really clicked for him. He can now read independently. Akyng is a wonderful friend in class and always follows the rules. He shows up every day ready to learn."

Jakari Dawson, Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, 7th grade

"Jakari Dawson has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving his academic performance. Through hard work, persistence, and a positive attitude, he has made significant strides in his work. His determination to overcome challenges and his willingness to seek help when needed have not only improved his grades but have also inspired his peers. While he has always been conscientious of his work, the past semester, he has shown even more focus and attention to detail. He asks questions when he doesn't understand, stays on task in class, and is an excellent role model for his peers."

Asir Foster, East Middle School, 8th grade

"East is excited to nominate Asir Foster for our March Stairclimber! Asir has earned A's and B's in his core classes and has had zero behavior referrals for the 2024-2025 school year. Asir recently showed his leadership skills at the Black History Month quiz bowl where he single-handedly represented East as our representative. Asir is willing to engage in the school community through extracurricular activities, family engagement events, and student ambassador programs. "

Kevin Wyant, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 3rd grade

"Kevin Wyant is a model for being respectful, responsible, and safe at school. Kevin has a strong desire to learn and tries his best to improve daily. It's amazing to see how much he has grown since I first started teaching him academically and socially. He is a leader in our classroom and makes sure everyone is following the classroom rules and expectations. He is eager to help out when we are doing our coffee cart. He is a money expert!"

ERIE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Student Stairclimber Award

Page Navigation