WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce Maxwell Ellifritz of Keyser, West Virginia, has been named the October recipient of the Catamounts Climb Higher Award.
The Climb Higher Award is presented monthly to a student who exemplifies resiliency, outstanding work ethic, and kindness and positivity—qualities that Maxwell displays both inside and outside the classroom.
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.” She said that beyond the classroom, “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.”
Maxwell’s own story is one of strength and perseverance. Reflecting on his journey, he shared that “when I was younger, I faced various health complications. At this time, I was motivated by my family and friends to keep a positive attitude, to not allow myself to have a negative outlook on life.” He said, “After overcoming my illnesses, I felt that I was given a chance to truly make a change to those around me. This motivated me to strive to be my best.” He now gives back to his community through his service as an EMT first responder.
He said he derives much of his drive from the support of his family: “My family is my biggest inspiration to keep moving forward. They enable me to do so with support and guidance in challenging times. Even when hardships occur, my family has always been there at any moment of need. Showing me what true support looks like. This has pushed me to be that support, guidance, and help in other people's lives in their time of need.”
Maxwell said he is driven by the desire to help others. “Being able to help people at the highest level drives me in the classroom to achieve a degree to do so,” he said, noting that “Outside of the classroom, is the best place to influence others positively. My parents instilled in me at a young age that if you are going to do something, you should do it right. So, following that belief, I strive every day to help those around me.”
His commitment to positivity is as strong as his work ethic: "I try and spread kindness and positivity by always being active in school events and having that attitude when it comes to inside the classroom.”
For Max, winning the Climb Higher Award is more than just recognition—it’s motivation: “Receiving this award means that even when I’m in changing environments, I still have a positive effect on my community around me. This award is not only a recognition, but a reinforcement to continue my efforts in helping others and my community.”
Maxwell was selected by a committee of faculty and staff and presented with a commemorative flag and gift card in honor of his achievement.
Please join us in congratulating Maxwell Ellifritz for his determination, resilience, and unwavering positivity. He is an inspiration to the Catamount community and a shining example of what it truly means to Climb Higher.