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 2024 Stairclimbers!

Ja'Khari Childs, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 4th grade

Charlie Coy, Wilson Middle School, 7th grade

"Charlie is having a great start to the year! She always works hard and leads by example. She is respectful to students and staff and always responsible for herself. We are so lucky to have Charlie at Wilson and have a student be a great model for everyone at Wilson!"

Daniel Crosby, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson-Gridley, 11th grade

"Daniel Crosby's efforts in the Recovery Academy so far this year truly demonstrate what it means to 'recover.' His improvements in all aspects of scholastic progress provide a road map for other students who need to make a significant turnaround in their educational outcomes. For example, so far this year Daniel has achieved an overall score of 91% in both Chemistry and Geometry, he exhibits great manners in the classroom, consistently comes to school every day, and shows himself to be an exemplary student during PBL lessons by leading class discussions, answering important questions, and completing work on time. He has gotten this school year off to a great start and stands to go very far in pushing others toward success by simply leading by example."

Azariyah Jordan, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 11th grade

"I am recommending Azariyah Jordan for the Stair Climber Award. Azariyah has improved her attendance by 100% and continues to be on time. She has been completing all her work and her grades reflect that this quarter. She is now participating and using teachers and school staff for support. Azariyah also works after school and on the weekends."

Christopher Kirkland, Edison Elementary School, 3rd grade

"It has been said, 'Caring has the gift of making the ordinary special.' Chris exemplifies this quote by coming to school every day with a positive attitude and is always striving to be the best student he can be. He is kind to our school and others by volunteering to help with classroom chores or by helping a classmate complete their work. It is a pleasure to have Chris at Edison!"

Valentino Lanzo, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 5th grade

"Vale is being submitted for the Stick-to-it-iveness Award because of the perseverance and persistence he has demonstrated towards personal growth and educational responsibility. Because he continues to develop and display leadership qualities, Vale has been selected to represent Grover Cleveland Elementary School as a Student Ambassador and a Cougar Flag Football Player. We are extremely excited for his bright road to success and look forward to him continuing to show his peers and younger students how to be Respectful, Responsible and Safe."

 

Bradyn Lawson, Strong Vincent Middle School, 8th grade

"When it comes to this month's Stairclimber - there just isn't enough time tonight to explain JUST HOW INCREDIBLE this young man is! His never ending tenacity inspires everyone around him. His work ethic is top-notch - only rivaled by his terrific sense of humor. The Colonels are PROUD to recognize Bradyn Lawson as this month's award winner. With courage, he conquers."

 

 

Andrew Le, Diehl Elementary School, 5th grade

"I am proud to nominate Andrew Le as a Stair Climber for Diehl Elementary. He exemplifies the Diehl motto of 'Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be Safe.' Each day he is a role model in the hall, classroom, and cafeteria. You can tell that he is following all expectations and understands the importance of them. He has also spent the first month of fifth grade working hard and staying focused. Through Andrew’s hard work, he has already moved himself from an early 4th grade math level to an early 5th grade math level through I-ready. He asks questions and is helpful in group work. He has also been diligently working in Amplify. His dedication to his school work makes him a great leader and the students can go to him if they are confused about the work. Way to go, Andrew! You make Diehl proud!"

 

 

Chanze Lucas, Perry Elementary School, 5th grade

"Perry is proud to nominate Chanze Lucas for the Stairclimber Award. Chanze has shown remarkable improvement in his behaviors and has consistently arrived at school on time, which he struggled with last school year. He has also achieved significant personal goals in math, demonstrating a strong commitment to his learning. Additionally, his determination to overcome struggles in reading is commendable and inspiring. We believe Chanze Lucas exemplifies the spirit of a Stairclimber and celebrate his achievements."

 

Davaryhai McLaurin, East Middle School, 8th grade

"We are very proud of Perry's Stairclimber for May, Eric Ortiz Portalatin. Eric's attendance has improved this year, his grades have improved significantly and his behavior has also improved. He has also 'come out of his shell' a little more, talking with more adults and students. He is very respectful and helpful in the classroom and around the school. We are very proud of Eric's success this year with his academics and positive behavior."

 

Alaina Miller, Lincoln Elementary School, 5th grade 

"Alaina has been an amazing leader at Lincoln this year. She has need a role-model and has even encouraged others to ROAR each morning as she does the Pledge of Allegiance for the school. We are very proud of the choices she is making this year." 

 

Lucas Orlandi, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 1st grade 

"Lucas is a wonderful student to have in class. He is always respectful and attentive in the classroom. He shares out during our morning meetings. Lucas always takes care of his peers!"

 

 

Shatora Spain, Erie High School, 10th grade (not pictured)

"Shatora had a very rough 9th grade year with us at Erie High. Shatora has done a complete turn around this school year. Shatora is always positive and polite. She is in school each day and is attending all of her classes. Shatora does not have one behavior referral and currently has A's in all of her classes. Shatora is doing great and everyone in the school is very proud of her. Keep up the great work Shatora."

 

 

 

Ouijalwan Thompson Jr., Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, 7th grade

 

"Ouijalwan is a new student to Eagle's Nest. He admittedly struggled struggled with some bad behavior choices and attendance. This year Ouijalwan has been working hard in his classes even when he is unsure of what to do. He never gives up on his work. He also often volunteers to be a leader and is willing to work with all of the students."

 

Victoria Torres, Harding Elementary School, 4th grade

"Victoria has shown considerable growth from last school year. She follows directions the first time and is very respectful and kind toward others. Victoria works very hard in class and always shows consideration for others. I am hoping to see this positive trend continue all year!"

 

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Tyree Crockett, Jefferson Elementary School, 4th grade (not pictured)

"Tyree has been trying very hard this year to be Safe, Respectful and Responsible. So far, he has been all of them. He is modeling how a Bronco behaves in the classroom. He is coming each day, ready to learn and has NO office referrals this year. We are all so proud of Tyree - he is great example of a true Jefferson Bronco!"