This West Philly teacher just won a national honor. Because his school is closing, it’s bittersweet.
David Stokes, a physical education teacher at Robeson High, was honored as a "Life Changer of the Year." The honor comes days after the school board voted to close Robeson in 2027.
The cheering started the moment physical education teacher David Stokes entered the Paul Robeson High auditorium.
Students at the small West Philadelphia school rose to their feet. Pom pom-waving cheerleaders launched into a spirited routine. People held up their phones, capturing video of the man of the hour.
There have been a lot of tough days at Robeson lately; the school board voted last week to close the school permanently after next school year.
But Wednesday was a good one. Stokes, a teacher and coach, won national recognition as a “Life Changer of the Year,” an award that came with a cash prize and the sort of spirit-lifting that can’t be quantified — both for him and for the school that loves him.
National Life Group, an insurance company that rewards select K-12 teachers across the country, bestowed the life changer award. Stokes was also recently recognized as one of the city’s best teachers, winning a Lindback award.
He’s the kind of teacher who knows every one of the kids in the building, gives his all, and centers students’ needs. He’s one of the first people in the building every day, he coaches three sports, and he’s a mentor to all.
Philadelphia School District assistant superintendent Richard Gordon, a former Robeson principal, nominated Stokes, whom he said set helped the tone for the acclaimed high school.
Stokes’ “influence is directly reflected in the school’s culture, from improved student engagement to a strong sense of safety and community,” Gordon said. “Mr. Stokes’ day-to-day excellence ensures that students are cared for, challenged, and celebrated. His contributions make Robeson High School a place of hope and pride.”
Robeson is one of 17 schools that the district plans to close. District officials say they can’t keep Robeson open because of its small size — just over 200 students — and poor building condition.
The Robeson community fought hard against closure attempts, earning support from several key politicians, including Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Isaiah Thomas. A majority of Council members protested and temporarily shut down last week’s the school board meeting in an attempt to save Robeson and other schools.
The school system has said it intends to re-use the Robeson property for some science, technology, engineering, and math purpose to be determined with community input. Council wanted a guarantee that Robeson, at 41st and Ludlow in University City, would remain open, even if it has to relocate temporarily.
After the school board refused to spare Robeson and Lankenau High, Thomas said he would sue the board and refuse to re-confirm any school board member who voted for closures. No litigation has yet been filed.
The juxtaposition of last week’s despair and this week’s joy was not lost on students.
“It’s a bittersweet moment,” said Taylor Raby-Daniels, a Robeson 12th grader and Stokes fan.
Gianna Brown told the packed auditorium that Robeson students were “so proud of” their beloved PE teacher.
“Stokes, you have a way of lighting up a room that could be full of tension.” Brown said. “You never fail to jump into situations, not thinking about yourself, but about how you can make someone else’s day better. I can speak for many when I say you’re like a father figure to a lot of us.”
The honor “meant the world to me,” said Stokes, who called his fellow Robeson teachers up to the front of the auditorium with him, a recognition, he said, of their work as a team.
“We’re one big happy family here,” said Stokes. “There’s so much good in this school.”
Stokes came to Robeson from Vaux High School, which in 2013 was closed by the district before it reopened in 2017 with a completely new staff, run by an outside company. He’s still crossing his fingers that Robeson gets a reprieve.
“I want people to see what we have here,” said Stokes. “Every one of these kids deserves to stay here. I’m hoping that we get a Hail Mary and can stay open.”
Though the school board has formally voted to close Robeson and 16 other schools, the plan requires legal hearings before a formal shutdown goes through.
Officials say they want Robeson to become a program inside Motivation High in 2027.
