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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 December 2025 Stairclimbers!

     

    Kaiden Beaumont, Wilson's Stairclimber for December, poses with his award plaque.
     
    Kaiden Beaumont, Wilson Middle School, 8th grade
     
    "Kaiden has shown many behavioral improvements compared to last year/the beginning of the year. Kaiden has shown that he is respectful to staff and peers, he is ready to learn, and responsible. He is a positive energy in the classroom."
     
     
     
    Festo Byiringiro, Pfeiffer-Burliegh's Stairclimber for December, poses with his award plaque.
     
    Festo Byiringiro, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 4th grade 
    "Festo displays an outstanding work ethic and even when things are challenging - he always tries his best. He is respectful to adults and peers. Every day, Festo comes to school ready to improve and learn something new!" 
     
     

    Canady Family, Edison's Stairclimber for December, pose with their award plaques.

    The Canady Family: Riyauna, Janiyah, King, Zion, Edison Elementary School, 4th, 3rd, 1st grade & Kindergarten 

    "The Canady family is exceptional in many ways! We honor their commitment to getting to school regularly, as a group, looking after one another and ensuring their safe and on-time arrival to school. They are an example of the saying - 'Teamwork makes the dream work!' "

     

    Illia Mitichev, Jefferson's Stairclimber for December, poses with his award plaque.

    Illia Mitichev, Jefferson Elementary School, 5th grade

    "Illia comes to school each day with a positive attitude and a genuine eagerness to learn. He arrives happy and ready to engage, consistently demonstrating excellent behavior in the classroom and around the school. No matter the task, he always puts forth his best effort, showing determination, focus, and pride in his work. His enthusiasm and commitment make him a wonderful role model for his peers."

     

     Carter Sailor, Grover's Stairclimber for December, poses with his award plaque.

    Carter Sailor, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 5th grade 

    "Carter has a superior work ethic, he has also shown phenomenal responsibility, respect and safety skills for not only himself but his peers and the younger grades as well. He sets a great example of what a "Den Leader" should look like."

     

    Zamariona Santiago, Erie High's Stairclimber for December, poses with his award plaque.

    Zamariona Santiago, Erie High School, 10th grade 

    "Zamariona Santiago is being recognized for her remarkable improvement in grades, attendance, and behavior this year compared to last. She has shown consistent effort and a strong commitment to her own success. We are incredibly proud of the progress she has made and the positive example she sets for her peers. Zamariona truly exemplifies the 3 R’s of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience in all she does."

     

    Alina Sharma, JoAnna Connell's Stairclimber for December, poses with her award plaque.

    Alina Sharma, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 3rd grade

    "Alina Sharma is always giving her all! She shows up each day with a contagious smile and is consistently trying her best. This is true in all aspects, from academics to her behavior."

     

    Luis Sustache, McKinley's Stairclimber for December, poses with his award plaque. 
     
    Luis Sustache, McKinley Elementary School, 3rd grade
     
    "Luis' behavior and attitude towards school has drastically changed since Pre-K. Luis has learned to self regulate during difficult times. He is participating and always working to the best of his ability. Luis is helpful to his peers and teachers. He has grown as a student and models Mckinley qualities at all times!""

     

    Willow Talford, Strong Vincent's Stairclimber for December, poses.

    Willow Talford, Strong Vincent Middle School, 6th grade

    "Willow Talford has been unanimously selected as the "6A Stairclimber" for December. No matter the day, Willow is a ray of sunshine. She's not only diligent about her school work - - she's kind and respectful to everyone around her. Her inquisitive nature is going to take her far in life. She finds the joy in simple things and has a true appreciation for opportunities granted to her. We love Willow!"

     

    Keyion Woodard, Collegiate's Stairclimber for December, poses with his award plaque.

    Keyion Woodard, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 9th grade

    "Keyion has truly been a pleasure to see grow academically in class. He used different techniques (rereading notes, discussions, and working with groups of other students) to improve his grade. Keyion makes me want to work just as hard as he does. Since September, he has not missed a day of school."

     

    Not pictured:

    Azam Almahamied, East Middle School, 8th grade

    "Azam has put away his phone, is staying focused in class, and is consistently demonstrating positive engagement. He actively participates, contributes to discussions, and asks for help when he needs it. His renewed effort is reflected in his academic growth—he has improved from failing grades to earning Cs and Bs. Because of this significant progress and determination, he is being nominated for the December Stairclimber Award."

     

    Eli Clayton, Diehl Elementary School, 3rd grade
     
    "Eli has shown tremendous growth this quarter. While his behaviors are not yet perfect, they are significantly improved, he is completing more of his assignments, and he is learning to make positive choices each day. Eli is making great strides, and we are incredibly proud of the effort he is putting into becoming his best self.
    We’re honored to be part of his journey and to celebrate the progress he’s making!    "
     

    Kalenna Gambill, Harding Elementary School, 4th grade

    "Kalenna Gambill is a hardworking student who consistently puts forth her best effort in the classroom. She participates daily in class discussions and always brings a positive attitude to the class. Already, we have seen growth in her reading and math scores. Over the course of the first quarter, her attendance has been outstanding. She is reliable and dependable, willing to help out her classmates. I can always count on her to demonstrate the Harding expectations and give her very best each day."

     

    Victoria Oliva, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson Gridley/Erie's Public Schools Cyber Choice Academy, 8th grade

    "Victoria is a pleasure to have in class. First of all, she is present and in person almost every day. She gets her notebook (on her own) every day. She takes notes, writes down examples, does the class work every day. She participates in class and volunteers answers all the time. She also will attend extended day to get extra practice. She is very conscientious about her grade and her class work. Besides that, she is just a very pleasant, polite young woman!"

     

    Zekiah Smith, Perry Elementary School, 4th grade

    "Zekiah Smith is our Perry Stairclimber. He has worked hard to eliminate any and all behavioral concerns from previous years. He is a hard worker and gives 100% each and every day. He is always willing to help out a friend. Zekiah lights up whatever room he is in. He volunteers his time to be a peer tutor. We are very proud of Zekiah. He has shown leadership qualities."

     

    Niyomi Velasquez, Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, kindergarten 

    "Niyomi Velasquez comes to school with a bright smile and a readiness to learn. She has worked hard to make positive choices, stay focused during lessons, and put her very best effort into everything she does. Her determination and positive attitude are truly inspiring. What stands out most about Niyomi is her perseverance. Even when something feels challenging, she doesn't give up, she takes a deep breath, tries again, and keeps on climbing. Her kindness, effort, and growing confidence make her a wonderful role model for her classmates."