The Climb Higher Award is presented monthly to a student who exemplifies resiliency, outstanding work ethic, and kindness and positivity.
October 2025: Maxwell Ellifritz
Maxwell Ellifritz of Keyser, West Virginia, has been named the October recipient of the Catamounts Climb Higher Award. Maxwell began his journey with PSC last year as an ACCESS student through Keyser High School. Now, as a freshman at PSC, he is majoring in biology.
Maxwell was nominated by Professor Molly Alvaro, who observed that “Max consistently shows kindness and thoughtfulness in his interactions with both classmates and instructors. His warm, welcoming demeanor fosters a positive learning environment. Max is deeply committed to community service, approaching his volunteer work with sincerity and dedication. His genuine compassion for others is evident in everything he does.”
November 2025: Addison Cross
WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce Addison Cross of Short Gap, West Virginia, has been named the November recipient of the Catamounts Climb Higher Award. Addy is a junior in the Business Management program at PSC and is also working toward an associate degree in Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship (SAGE).
She was nominated by her professor, Amy Weaver, who observed that “Despite obstacles thrown at her, Addy handles all situations with grace and always looks for ways she can help others. Addy is a very dedicated student who works hard at all she does. Beyond the classroom, Addy holds a part-time job and trains horses. Addy’s faith is also a large part of who she is and her dedication to the community.”
December 2025: Keilei Christian
WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce Keilei Christian of Lewisburg, West Virginia, has been named the December recipient of the Catamounts Climb Higher Award.
Keilei is a sophomore in the Agriculture program at PSC. She was nominated by administrator Trina Runner, who observed that Keilei is “very engaged with programming on campus and in volunteering. She is very enthusiastic about taking leadership roles.”
Trina Runner noted that Keilei “has challenged herself with getting on campus and the community in order to be the best version of herself,” adding that as a first-generation student living far away from the support of family and friends, Keilei has overcome feelings of isolation and anxiety by getting involved on campus. She started the College’s Homesteading Club, is involved with the campus Bible Study group, volunteers for the Office of Violence Against Women, and serves as a Resident Assistant. Additionally, she works a job off campus and founded her own micro bakery.