It’s been a distinguished week for David Stokes, a health and physical education teacher at Paul Robeson High School in University City.
Less than 24 hours after being one of 60 recipients of the School District of Philadelphia’s Lindback Award for outstanding teachers, Stokes was named LifeChanger of the Year, a national honor for educators, during a surprise ceremony Wednesday afternoon.
“I can speak for many when I say you’re like a father figure to a lot of us,” senior Gianna Brown said during the celebration, held in the school’s auditorium.
Stokes, whose motto is “overcome, adapt and achieve,” coaches multiple sports and has been a Philadelphia public school teacher for 22 years. Outside of his job, he is heavily involved in Scouting America’s Cradle of Liberty Council.
“I don’t know what you say. I’m completely shocked. I love all you guys here, and I think that everyone knows that,” Stokes said. “I want you all to know that I really do care about what I do every day.”
A sign posted on the wall of the auditorium proclaims “Hell no we won’t go,” a reminder that Robeson is among the 17 schools slated to close under the facilities plan approved last week by the Board of Education.
Robeson is set to be merged with Motivation High. Instead of turning over the building to the city to be developed, the district intends to hold onto the property at 42nd and Ludlow streets for future educational use, district officials have said.
City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who represents the neighborhood, has fiercely opposed the closure, arguing that it will facilitate continued gentrification and the erasure of University City’s Black community.
Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey MacFarland mentioned joy several times as he addressed students gathered for Wednesday’s assembly.
“We've been in this room where it hasn’t been joyful of late,” MacFarland said. “He (Stokes) is here for you. This school is here for you, and this community will always be here for you.”
Nearly 1,100 K-12 educators from across the nation were nominated for the LifeChanger award, and fewer than 20 winners were selected. The honor is administered by National Life Group, an insurance company headquartered in Vermont.
The award comes with a $3,000 check. Half goes to the recipient, with the remainder being donated to the school, according to organizers. Stokes was nominated by Assistant Superintendent Richard Gordon, a former Robeson principal.
“This award just exemplifies the work that he’s been doing his entire career,” Gordon remarked.
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