Robin Stauffer

Roshaye Dickey-Johnson with Mayor Reed and Robin StaufferRoshaye Dickey-Johnson was recognized with the Essence of Humanity Award by the Harrisburg School District on February 3, 2007, at Mayor Reed's Black History Month Gala.

Roshaye is an outstanding fifth grade teacher at Foose School who has persisted in reaching her goals in spite of a debilitating and painful physical illness.Born and raised in Harrisburg, reaching her goal of becoming a teacher was a long and difficult journey.She did not decide to go to college until she was twenty-eight years old, and at the time, she was a single parent, so she moved back home with her mother in order to afford the expense and to find the time.

While taking classes at Harrisburg Area Community College, the pain from an existing birth defect became severe, as she had been born with one leg shorter than the other, which resulted in difficulty walking.In addition, she did not have full mobility in her right hand, so while at HACC, she underwent several surgeries, which she says turned her into a "bionic woman".Doctors had to insert a pole, a plate, and screws into her legs to make them even.Throughout this ordeal, faculty and students at HACC were so impressed with Roshaye's physical and mental stamina and dedication to her studies that they selected her to be the graduation speaker.Her message was simple and clear: "Anyone can do anything.
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Jim Bender with Larry Brown and Robin Stauffer of the Lancaster Steering Committee