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 January 2025 Stairclimbers!

John Burger-Sanchez, Strong Vincent Middle School, 7th grade

"Strong Vincent takes tremendous pride in recognizing John Burger-Sanchez as this month's Stairclimber.  By defninition - John embodies strength, tenacity, and grit.  Spend five minutes with John and you'll understand why he's a "fan favorite" amongst our faculty, staff, and students.  Don't let his quiet demeanor fool you - - - he has an incredible sense of humor and isn't afraid to unleash some good natured ribbing!  Strong Vincent is thrilled to recognized John Burger-Sanchez as our Stairclimber.  With courage, he conquers."

Da'kiya Clark, Edison Elementary School, 4th grade

"Da'kiya has shown incredible growth in navigating anger and frustration. In the past month, she has become an entirely different person. She comes to school each day ready to learn and with a positive attitude. When she feels herself getting angry, she demonstrates a variety of strategies including walking away from the situation, putting her head down, or drawing/writing to distract herself. She is constantly reflecting on her behavior and looking for ways to improve even more. She has even started sharing her strategies with friends explaining that fights and arguments just aren't worth it. The growth she has already made this year is remarkable."

Rugamba Francis, Perry Elementary School, 5th grade

"Rugumba has worked hard this year to be a responsible Perry student. He works hard in the classroom and supports younger students daily. He helps a first grade student make good choices. We are very proud of Rugumba with his positive actions and helpfulness. He is a great Perry student!"

 

 

Dontrell Gilbert, McKinley Elementary School, 4th grade

"Dontrell has a positive attitude this year. He follows instructions and is willing to participate in activities. He found himself in trouble frequently last year and this year has been following expectations frequently. He has improved greatly since last year. He has replaced anger and frustration with smiles and happiness."

 

 

 

Damaria Granberry, Harding Elementary School, 3rd grade

"Damaria comes to school on time every day ready to learn!  She knows the expectations in the classroom and follows the rules daily.  She love to participate in class.  Damaria is eager to learn.  She is very excited about being part of the spelling bee club.  She is a wonderful student and kind to others.  We are so proud of Damaria!"

 

 

Kimarius Hansbrew, Wilson Middle School, 7th grade  

"Kimarius has shown great improvement over the first half of the school year. Kimarius has done a great job improving his grades across all 4 main content areas, particularly in social studies class. Kimarius has shown an increase in participation, often raising his hand to answer questions and contributing to class discussions by asking thoughtful questions. Kimarius is also a participant in the 100 Black Men of America program. All of the staff at Wilson are proud of the progress he has made and look forward to a successful second half of the school year for Kimarius."

 

 

 

Alice Henry, Lincoln Elementary School, 4th grade

 

"Alice has been working so hard lately at Lincoln and has really improved in academics.  She is always happy to be at school and puts forth effort in her classwork every day!  We are very proud of her!"

 

 

 

Keshaun Johnson, Erie High School, 10th grade

"We are thrilled to announce that Keshaun Johnson has been chosen as the recipient of our next Stairclimber Award. Keshaun has shown tremendous growth both academically and in behavior this year. His dedication to improving his grades and making positive changes in his actions has been truly inspiring. Keshaun has demonstrated a strong commitment to his education, showing that hard work and perseverance can lead to significant progress. The Erie High family is incredibly proud of Keshaun, and we look forward to seeing him continue to thrive. Keep climbing, Keshaun – your future is bright!"

 

 

Pharrell Knight, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson Gridley/Erie's Public Schools Cyber Choice Academy, 12th grade

"I nominate Pharrell Knight for the Stairclimber award. He has come for both sessions - morning and afternoon - to work in the lab almost the entire school year so far. In the past 15 months, he has earned 13 credits. When he comes to work on his classes in the lab, he is very independent. He asks for help once in a while when needed, but most of the time he makes steady progress. He is polite and courteous and gets along with his peers as well."

 

 

 

 

Sofia Mys, Diehl Elementary School, 5th grade 

"I would like to nominate Sofiia Mys for the January Stairclimber. Sofiia is a 5th grade student at Diehl Elementary School. This is Sofiia's first year in America. She is an English Language Learner. Her first language is Russian. I have seen such dedication to her studies and a desire to learn English. Sofiia started the year with no English. Within the first semester, she has progressed in her English language acquisition in her ability to communicate some in sentences, read words, and even stories to me in English. This is a tremendous accomplishment for such a short period of time. I commend Sofiia for her efforts and willingness to embrace her new country, school, and culture. Way to go, Sofiia, you make Diehl PROUD!" 

 

 

 

 

 

Seimyah Rotunda, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 5th grade

"Seimyah is always trying to do the right thing. She is a leader in the classroom and I can always rely on her. She comes to school every day with a smile on her face and ready to learn."

 

 

Emma Scalise, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 3rd grade

"Emma has continued to grow as a third-grader, working on the strategies for success that she began to develop in second grade. Emma has learned how to handle conflict appropriately, She has also developed strategies to persevere, even when presented with challenges."

 

 

Unique Tate, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 11th grade

"Unique has truly distinguished herself as an exceptional student this year. Through her dedication and hard work, she has risen to become a leader among her peers in the classroom. Her commitment to her studies is evident, as she consistently demonstrates a focused and determined attitude in her work. As she prepares to advance to 12th grade, it is clear that she is fully equipped and ready to take on the challenges that await her in the final year of high school."

 

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Damani Branson, Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, 1st grade (Not pictured)

 

"Damani came to EN exhibiting some behavior and academic challenges. Since then Damani has improved in both of these areas. His teacher reports that his behavior has improved drastically, and he is doing well in his classes. Way to Soar Damani!"

 

Navaeh Brooks, 4th grade, JoAnna Connell Elementary School (Not pictured)

"Navaeh is an excellent role model at JoAnna Connell Elementary. Each day she comes to school ready to learn and eager to participate in school activities. She follows our school-wide expectations be responsible, be respectful, and be safe throughout the building. In the classroom, she helps her peers, gets her assignments completed, and always volunteers. She is consistently seen helping others and being a good friend. She uses manners every day and can always been seen with a big smile. We are so proud of you, Navaeh."

Ezath Miram Gul, East Middle School, 6th grade (Not pictured)

"Ezath is a joy to have in class, he is often found being helpful within the school community. Ezath has not received any behavior referrals, and has maintained all A's and B's for the year! Ezath has qualified as a quarter 1 and 2 VIP student through his outstanding work here at East being ready, responsible, and respectful each day! Thank you for being a great Warrior Student! You are always very helpful towards your teachers and peers, your attendance is amazing and is reflected in how great you are doing in your classes!"

 

Mazin Suliman, Jefferson Elementary School, 4th grade (Not pictured)

"Mazin started the year out pretty rough both behavior-wise and academically. He didn't really care about learning or about his behavior in class. He's really turned it around. His grades have gone up and his attitude and behavior have totally changed. He's now willing to participate in class every day. It's been truly amazing to see, and I've been so happy to see him come to care about learning and school."