A Big Thank You to the 2025 EAF Scholarship Committee
We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated members of this year’s East Angel Foundation Scholarship Committee:
- Simone Ross (Class of 2000)
- Dr. Maurice Scott (Class of 2000)
- James Mejia (Class of 1985)
- Flo Wagner, East High Teacher (25 years)
- Edna Sutton, East High Teacher (11 years)
Together, we reviewed 37 applications and interviewed 33 outstanding East High seniors over three intense and inspiring days. This year, we made a conscious shift to focus more deeply on financial need, resulting in fewer total scholarships and more impact where needed most.
We’re proud to award 22 scholarships totaling $77,000. Among the recipients:
- 18 are women (Come on, boys—next year’s your comeback!)
- 6 speak English as a second language
- 9 are first-generation college students
- And all but one have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) under $30,000
This is another remarkable class of Angels, and we are honored to help them soar.
One of our top candidates was the winner of the Cleworth LEAP Scholarship, and another was a Questbridge Scholarship match, and will have a full ride to Wesleyan University.
Cleworth LEAP Scholarship
Ebise Galato – George Washington University
A four-year Honor Roll student at East High School, Ebise Galato is a first-generation college-bound leader passionate about healthcare and community service. She served as co-president of African Students United for three years, teaching Youth Ministry and leading Vacation Bible School. Through the Medical Career Collaborative and a NICU internship at Denver Health, Ebise discovered her calling in biomedical engineering, aiming to expand access to life-saving medical technology. Her experiences navigating identity, leadership, and opportunity have shaped her into a compassionate, driven scholar ready to make a lasting impact.
Questbridge Match
Leela Yohannes – Wesleyan University
Leela Yohannes is a senior at East High School and a QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship recipient, ranked in the top 10% of her class. A dedicated scholar and artist, she has completed nine AP courses and earned multiple acting awards with the East Theatre Company, where she also served as assistant director and music director.
Leela is Secretary General of East’s Model UN team, a member of the French Honor Society, and a Youth Council board member for mental health advocacy. She interned at Denver Health through the Medical Career Collaborative, earning top marks while exploring her future in medicine. With a passion for both the arts and sciences, Leela plans to pursue a career as a physician, inspired by the mentors and educators who helped her believe in her own potential.
2025 East Angel Foundation Scholarship Recipients
East Alumni Scholarship – $8,000
Harper Young – Cal Berkeley
GPA: 4.00/4.99
Valedictorian Harper Young is a standout scholar, athlete, and activist. A state champion and national finalist in the We the People Constitutional Law Program, Harper also captains the swim team and holds multiple district and state titles. She founded the East High Reading Partners Club, leads youth environmental efforts with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, and has earned national honors, including AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Commended Scholar. Harper plans to study math and sustainability, ultimately becoming an environmental lawyer.
Thomas W. Bean Foundation Scholarship – $5,000 each
Brooklynn Haggerty – Spelman College
Brooklynn Haggerty is a spirited student leader, an All-American cheerleader, and the founder of her own lash business. A passionate advocate for youth, she volunteers as an assistant manager at Star Girlz Empowerment and is active in Ladies First and Black Student Alliance. With over 100 hours of service and a strong interest in medicine and entrepreneurship, Brooklynn is on a path to become both a pediatrician and a business owner.
Jaylen Tyler – Louisiana State University
Jaylen Tyler is a multi-sport athlete and class president who shines in leadership and academics. She captains varsity lacrosse and flag football, mentors through Unified Sports, and pursues her passion for engineering through robotics and a senior project building an acoustic guitar. Jaylen plans to study mechanical engineering and promote equity in STEM.
Alejandra Ojeda Rojas – Metro State
Alejandra Ojeda Rojas has overcome language barriers to become a biliterate student-leader and community mentor. Involved in Convivir Colorado and Rising Higher Staffing Solutions, she supports Hispanic students and manages social media for Tech Nation Careers. Alejandra will pursue a degree in marketing and business.
Class of 1967, 1968, and 1969 Scholarship – $5,000
Cora Smith – DePaul University
Cora Smith is a talented theatre technician and Head of Lighting for East’s stage productions. A four-year performer and technical lead, she’s also a member of NHS and a recipient of “Best Senior Project – Theatre.” Cora volunteers with local museums and brings passion and precision to every performance.
James Reece, Class of 1960 Scholarship – $4,000
Darius McGregor – Brown University
Darius McGregor is a top-ranked scholar, STEM researcher, and mental health advocate. With experience at Carnegie Mellon and Children’s Hospital Colorado, he co-founded Boys to Men, supporting young men of color. He plans to become an orthopedic surgeon focused on equity in healthcare.
Class of 1985 Scholarship – $5,000
Emori Cortez – University of Hawaii at Manoa
Emori Cortez is a scholar-athlete and student leader. A varsity cheer captain and softball standout, she also served as Senior Class vice president and a Generation Teach AmeriCorps teacher. Through Speech and debate, service clubs, and cultural advocacy, she’s preparing for a future of impact in education and public service.