Student Scholarships
Scholarships recognize excellence, involvement, and financial need.
East High School has a proud tradition of philanthropy, made possible through the generosity of alumni, parents, and the Denver community. The East Angel Foundation awards scholarships to graduating seniors based on financial need, academic performance, character, and community & extracurricular involvement. These scholarships fall into two categories: East Angel Foundation Scholarships and the Cleworth LEAP Scholarship.
Mission
The Scholarship Committee is committed to fairness and equity. While some scholarships consider merit, priority is given to students with demonstrated financial need who meet individual scholarship criteria.
Since 1995, we’ve awarded $1,005,000 to 484 students. This incredible impact would not be possible without the collective support of our extended East High School community. Thank you for being a part of it.
History
Founded in 1926 by the classes of ’23–’26, the original Alumni Scholarship Fund was revived in 1995. Since 2011, the East Angel Foundation has expanded and managed the program, now run by a volunteer Scholarship Committee of seven members. East High School has a proud legacy of philanthropy, made possible through the unwavering support of alumni, parents, and the Denver community. These scholarships reflect the core values that define East High School:
- Diversity
- Academic Excellence
- Character
- Community & Extracurricular Involvement
Scholarship Recipients
EAF Scholarships
2023 – Gabe Nagel – Stanford
2022 – Nathaniel Day – CU Boulder
2021 – Fiona Yohannnes – Amherst
2020 – Alex Schor – Yale
2019 – Emily Harrison – CU Boulder
2018 – Leah Harris – Stanford
2017 – William Schor – Brown
2016 – Molly Culhane – Stanford
2015 – Ashia Ajani – Yale
2014 – Jeremy Snyder – Pomona College
2013 – Elizabeth Greenberg – NYU
2012 – Bailey Polonsky
2011 – Connor Soicher – Oregon
2010 – William Toaspern – Stanford
2009 – Jessica Hoy – East Carolina University
2008 – Matthew Valetta – Colorado College
2007 – William Van Treuen – CU Boulder / Stanford
2006 – Paula Davis – Washington U St Louis
2005 – Michael J. Wilkerson – Stanford 2009
2004 – Alyssa Teves – Notre Dame
2003 – Denetri Blanas – Columbia
2002 – Shannon Murphy
2001 – Elizabeth B. Daily
2000 – Dan Murphy – Notre Dame
1999 – Josh Walker
1998 – Matt Valone
1997 – Nicole Pugh
1996 – Julie Hoebel – George Washington University
1995 – Ned Augenblick – Georgetown
Cleworth LEAP Scholarship
2024 – Elias Goss – University of California, Berkeley
2023 – Sammy Dominguez – Claremont McKenna College
2022 – Teal Fricke – Boston University
2021 – Tatiana Stevenson – Aurora University
2021 – Yonatan Manor – Boston University
2020 – Gabriel Day – Washington University
2019 – Phoebe Fanganello – University of Washington
2018 – Harrison Scudamore – Columbia University
2017 – Maya Younoszai – Smith College
2016 – Charlotte McClintock – University of Virginia
2016 – Anna Martens – Bowdoin College
The East Angel Foundation proudly offers several dedicated scholarships, each made possible through the generosity and vision of alumni and community partners. These awards reflect our shared commitment to education, equity, and excellence. In addition to the dedicated scholarships, EAF also provides $2,000 – $4,000 grants to graduating seniors to use for any post-secondary education, including 2- and 4-year colleges, technical schools, and vocational training.
General Application Requirements
For all EAF scholarships (except Cleworth LEAP), you must provide:
- Student Aid Index (SAI) via FAFSA
- Personal statement or college essay
- Two teacher recommendations
- One community recommendation
- In-person interview
Class of 2026 Key Dates
- November 2025 – Applications Open
- March 20, 2026 – Applications Due
- April 7-8, 2026 – In-Person Interviews
- May 2026 – Scholarships Awarded
East Angel Foundation Scholarships
These scholarships, funded by alumni and supporters, are awarded through a general application process:
The East Alumni Scholarship – $6,000
Established: 1995
Funded by generous East alumni, this scholarship honors the most outstanding Angel based on academic excellence, school involvement, and community participation.The Thomas W. Bean Foundation Scholarship – $7,000
Established by the Thomas W. Bean Foundation, this award celebrates the legacy of Thomas Washington Bean, a pioneering African American businessman. It is awarded to a senior who has overcome significant challenges and exemplifies hope, resilience, and achievement.The James Reece (Class of 1960) Scholarship – $4,000
A merit-based award from the James Reece Foundation, named in honor of a lifelong educator and East High alumnus. James Reece attended Yale and earned advanced degrees from Harvard Business School. This scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance.The Class of 1967, 1968, and 1969 Scholarship – $5,000
Founded by Beth Woodard (Class of 1968) and supported by members of the Classes of ’67–’69, this need-based award emphasizes academic merit and meaningful school and/or community service.- The Class of 1985 Scholarship – $5,000
Established in memory of Kinsley (Hyland) Alexander, a beloved member of the Class of 1985, and in honor of other classmates gone too soon. This need-based scholarship supports a student with a strong academic focus, particularly in foreign languages and world cultures.
Additional scholarships may be available through the Foundation’s general application process.
The Cleworth LEAP Scholarship
This prestigious, need-based scholarship supports a student with exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements in making the “LEAP” to a top-tier postsecondary institution.
- Award: $100,000 ($25,000 per year for four years)
- Established: 2016 by Monty Cleworth (Class of 1978)
- Eligibility:
- Enrolled at East High for at least three years
- 3.75+ unweighted GPA
- Demonstrated financial need (SAI ≤ 50,000 based on FAFSA)
- Strong academic record, including SAT/ACT/AP scores if available
- Admission offers from universities (list required by April 1)
- Personal statement/college essay submission
- Committee interview in early April
- How to Apply: Complete the online application form using the button below (one-time submission only). Questions? Contact Maurice Scott.
Support the Scholarship Fund
If you’re passionate about supporting students and shaping their futures, we invite you to consider contributing to the East Angel Foundation Scholarship Fund. All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for being part of the East Angel Foundation’s mission.
Donate to the Scholarship Fund
Your contribution directly supports graduating seniors who meet scholarship criteria and demonstrate financial need. Every gift—large or small—has a real impact. Click here to donate to the Scholarship Fund.
Create a Named Scholarship
Leave a lasting legacy by establishing a named scholarship to honor a loved one, a class, or a cause you care about. You define the criteria, and we’ll work with you to bring your vision to life. Contact the Scholarships Committee to learn more.
To donate, learn more, or start a conversation about creating a scholarship, please reach out:
- Greg Graeber – ggraeber@mindspring.com
- Scholarship Committee – scholarships@eastangelfriends.org
Support the Scholarship Program
Your contributions help create opportunities for students to succeed. Consider donating to the Scholarship Fund or establishing a named scholarship. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, contact Greg Graeber.