East Angel Friends & Alumni potlight Foundation S February 2021 East High Alumni Heritage Hall To Celebrate 14 Inductees In 2021 Ceremony Postponed Due To COVID-19 Restrictions by Marcia Tremmel Goldstein plishments in their field of Admiral Edward Ellsberg based non-profit that enables chil- Class of 1969 endeavor, and as a group (1891-1983) dren and adults to become pro- Chair of the Heritage Hall represented the school’s Navy Admiral and ductive members of their commu- Selection Committee rich heritage of diversity of Military Historian nity. The East High Alumni Heritage race, ethnicity, gender, field Class of 1909 Christopher Herlinger (b. 1959) Hall Selection Committee has an- of achievement, and gener- Rear Admiral Ned Ells- Journalist and Author nounced the final slate of 14 distin- ation. berg pioneered engineering Class of 1977 guished alumni inductees to be Heritage Hall is an educa- techniques for rescuing and Chris Herlinger’s passion for added to the Hall in 2021. The in- tional and motivational pro- salvaging sunken ships journalism and justice has led him ductee class includes women and ject sponsored by the East during World War I and II, to document the people’s strug- men from many generations who Angel Friends and Alumni and became the U.S. Navy’s gles in war-torn regions through- have been model citizens and Foundation (EAFAF). The most prolific writer, author- out Africa, Afghanistan, Haiti, In- noteworthy philanthropists, dip- Hall exhibit on the third ing 17 books on military donesia, and the Balkans — auth- lomats, journalists, military lead- floor of the school highlights history. June Morris Schwarcz, Tina Walls, oring three books including When ers, peace activists, musicians, art- East’s rich historical her- Gladys Caldwell Fisher 1936 1973 Mercy Fails: Darfur’s Struggle. ists, and community leaders who itage, honors the achieve- (1887-1952) June Morris Schwarcz have made their mark on our city, ments and diversity of East High domestic environments, street Sculptor and Art Educator (1918-2015) the nation, and the world. alumni, and provides role models scenes, and places of business — Class of 1926 Enamelist We had originally planned the for today’s students. Since the works exemplified by her widely Gladys Caldwell Fisher sculpt- Class of 1936 induction for September 2020, but unveiling of the Hall in September acclaimed 2019 exhibition at the ed dozens of pieces from the June Morris Schwarcz emerged in accordance with restrictions on 2008, the exhibit will now include Art Museum, “Jordan 1930s-50s in her favorite genre — as one of the most internationally large gatherings, we rescheduled an impressive total of 91 inductees! Casteel: Returning the Gaze.” life-sized animals carved from na- renowned “enamelists” by creat- the events. We are planning the HERITAGE HALL Dr. Renee Cousins King (b. 1952) tive stone, including her two ing hundreds of innovative ves- official induction ceremonies to 2021 INDUCTEES: Pediatrician and Philanthropist Rocky Mountain Sheep which sels and sculptures fabricated in be held in September 2021, if Joe Barry Carroll (b. 1958) Class of 1970 grace the front entrance of Den- high heat with colored glass and health precautions will allow. Professional Basketball Dr. Cousins has practiced pedi- ver’s Byron White U.S. Court- metal, on display at dozens of mu- Watch the EAFAF website for Champion, Philanthropist, atrics in Denver for more than 36 house (former U. S. Post Office). seums worldwide. See Page 2. more news about our final plans and Author years, and has pursued her fami- Phil Goodstein (b. 1952) Alan Titus (b. 1945) to be announced in Spring 2021. Class of 1976 ly’s legacy of investing in the pres- Author and Historian International Opera Singer The 2021 slate of inductees was Joe Barry Carroll played 10 sea- ervation and revitalization of Den- Class of 1970 Class of 1963 chosen by the official selection sons (1980-1991) in the National ver’s historically Black Five Points Dr. Phil Goodstein, the “urban Alan Titus is an acclaimed oper- committee, made up of former Basketball Association (NBA), neighborhood. historian,” has authored more atic baritone who enjoyed a 40- East High principals, faculty, and then turned his goals to social jus- Dr. Robert Dupont (b. 1936) than 20 books on our city’s vibrant year career singing in prestigious alumni. Over the past year, the tice and art, summed up in his ac- Psychiatrist and and controversial past, including opera houses in Milan, Paris, Vien- committee worked from a list of claimed 2014 “rags to riches” Public Health Advocate his recent series tracing the histo- na, Munich, Rome, London, and more than 70 worthy nominees memoir Growing Up... In Words Class of 1954 ry of the : Japan. and selected the final 14 based on and Images. Professor Robert Dupont is an The Denver School Book, 1859-1967. Tina Walls (b. 1955) those nominees who best met the Jordan Casteel (b. 1989) American psychiatrist, known for Gerie Grimes (b. 1950) Business and Civic Leader criteria of extraordinary accom- Artist and Portrait Painter his advocacy and national leader- Community Activist Class of 1973 Class of 2007 ship in the field of substance Class of 1968 Walls retired from a successful . D

I Harlem based Jordan Casteel abuse, authoring dozens of scien- Gerie Grimes is President & 1 G

A executive career with the Altria 2 R P O 6 paints life-size portraits of African tific articles, books, and mono- CEO of Hope Center, where for O . C E Group (formerly known as Philip O T G I American men and women in graphs. 36 years she has led this Park Hill- R N A F Morris), and has now become a E T T O V I S

R philanthropic force promoting N M O P E R P

N Heritage Hall Exhibit Gets A New Lease On Light D

. arts, culture, educational equity, E O S P .

N A new state of the art lighting system anti-racism, and women’s rights U has been installed in the cases of the in the Denver community. See Page East Alumni Heritage Hall which will 2. greatly enhance the beauty and read- Philip, Jr. Wilcox (b. 1937) ability of all of the biographical panels Diplomat and of the Hall inductees. Described as a United States Ambassador “high performance” system with optics Class of 1954 and glare shield, the lighting uses LED Distinguished diplomat Philip technology that diffuses the light with Wilcox served in dozens of diplo- lenses while creating a bright and ener- matic posts culminating in high gy-efficient glow. level state department positions The ambitious project was gener- drawing on his expertise in Middle ously funded by the East Angel Friends Eastern Affairs and his devotion and Alumni Foundation (EAFAF). Jer- to fostering peace in the region. rel Armstrong, EAFAF Buildings and Andrew Woolfolk (b. 1950) Grounds Chair headed up the project, Musician and Recording Artist, which took many months to plan and Earth, Wind & Fire build. Pro bono consultation was pro- Class of 1968 vided by Chris Davis of the Lighting Andrew is an accomplished Agency, a Colorado based company of flutist, saxophonist and percus- lighting design specialists. sionist who was a long-serving member of the Grammy-award Sullivan Gateway Restoration Nearing Completion winning Earth, Wind & Fire Prior to its renovation, which is (EW&F) band from 1973 to 1993. now near completion, the Dennis NOTE: The January 2020 edi- Sullivan Gateway was rapidly be- tion of the East High Alumni coming a crumbling eyesore. Con- Spotlight announced some of the sequently it was included on the inductees listed above with more Colorado Preservation Endanger- detailed biographical sketches. ed Historic Site list. Today, the site Here is the link to that article on has returned to its former state of the EAFAF website: https://east glory as one of Colorado’s most angelfriends.org/wp-content/ impressive public works. uploads/Alumni-Spotlight-2- This is good news to friends and 20.pdf. alumni of East High and hopeful- The article also listed two in- ly to the citizens of Denver, as East ductee nominees who were re- is just five years away from cele- markable individuals who lived in brating its 100th year on the City Denver, but have since been dis- Park Esplanade. Mark the Fall of qualified because they did not at- &

n 2025 on your calendar. s tend East High School: Sister Mary o i d 6

t In the early 1900s, under the Luke Tobin, and Ruth Humphries 0 n a 2 e d i leadership of Mayor Robert Speer, Brown. The Heritage Hall com- 0 r n 8 5

F the City Beautiful Program was California and 20th streets down- The story of the deterioration mittee would like to thank family 1 u l 0 O o e

6 initiated. It was intended to devel- town. of the parkway is typical of so members of these two women F C g i , x

n op several of the city’s parks as Originally the esplanade served many historic settings. The freeze- who informed us of their true edu- r o n e A B grand places for the enjoyment of as the grand entrance to City Park. thaw cycles, plants growing out of cational roots in Denver’s paro- v m t . n u s Denver Citizens. At this particu- In the Fall of 1925, new East open- the broken spaces in the walls, chial or private schools. We regret l e O a . D A E P lar time, East High was still on ed its doors on the Esplanade. (Continued on Page 4) the error. From The Principal . . . East High Constitutional Scholars Denver East High School Alumni and Friends, As such strong advocates of our school, you know that every dec- ‘We the People … The Citizen And The Constitution’ ade has brought its own unique experience to the lives of our Angels. by Beth Gower and role model, East says THANK 2020, for the 31st time, and will This 2020-21 school year has quickly made it’s mark as one that will East was scheduled to represent YOU! Zoom in April for the national be remembered through the ages! Colorado in the National “We the The 2020-20201 team members competition. Just as each of our lives has been affected in unforeseen ways by People” competition in April of are: Ellie Adams, Hagan Archer, There will be no traveling to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, our experience at East High 2020, determined to recapture the Lindsay Bader, Rashad Brimah, Leesburg, Virginia, and the Na- School has been one that has changed what “school” means to our National Championship title. The Annalee Christopher, Graham tional Conference Center. There students and our staff. Since last March, school has not been a place, dedicated 33 member team, their Cummings, Stephanie Danahey, will still be oral questioning and but it has been a community. Thankfully, the strength of our Denver teachers, and all community sup- Charlotte Donelson, Ella Eichberg, discussion by demanding judges East has been in community since the doors to our grand building porters were disappointed the in- Annabel Filippini, Roxana Flores, who are college professors, gov- were opened in 1924. person national competition was Ben Getches, Sonya Hay, Aidan ernment policy makers, justices, This year, the computer screen has become the classroom door canceled due to the COVID pan- Hodgin, Kari Jackson, Riley Kelly, and judges from state and federal through which our Angels access their teachers, their classmates, demic. It was a difficult ending Caroline Kochevar, Ruby Leut- offices. Historical knowledge com- their assignments, and their learning. After being thrown into for the East team of 2019-2020, as hold, Hosanna Magana, Kai bined with understanding, sup- “remote learning” last spring, our amazing teachers have worked so many students experienced. Moore, Scarlett Prather, Khaki portive evidence, and the ability to hard, learned much, and are now providing high quality learning The 2020 National Competition Sawyer, Jaxson Sharpe, Gavyn make application to current situ- experiences, through the internet, for our students. trip was also to mark Susan Stiles, Ruby Stephens, Maximus ations, events, and issues are the Please, take a minute to think about what it would have been like McHugh’s final teaching/coach- Vogt, Rain Watt, Jude Wolf. norm. as a first year student, or as a senior, not yet having been in your ing experi- Fortunately, Matthew Fulford, In addition to the intellectual school this entire year. It’s been hard. Our young people need their ence for East who taught and coached with Su- talents and experience of Matt and friends and teachers in front of them, and our school building needs High. The san McHugh, will continue on Mandy, East continues to appre- their footsteps, their voices, and their spirit to, once again, resonate Con Scholar with Mandy Hostetter providing ciate the community members, through the halls. community the teaching and coaching. Com- and former East parents who con- As I write this, we are looking forward to a gradual and safe return was looking petitions will be held remotely tribute hours of their time and for our students. Our plan is to start with students coming for just forward to over Zoom and while that brought expertise to help prepare the new half of their school week with steps toward being the full-time and another na- some initial challenges, the stu- team — especially this year with high-flying Angels that we value and appreciate so much! tional victo- dents have handled the adjust- so many additional complications. Over the course of the last year, a continuing point of pride for ry before her ment impressively. We are proud of all those who our community has been the incredible parent and alumni support June retire- Without ever meeting in per- engage and help make this level of ment. As son, students hold panel meet- learning possible. that sustains our success. Through the East Angel Friends and Susan McHugh Alumni Foundation alumni support has not skipped a beat during with her stu- ings, class, and rehearsals remote- Special thanks to panel coaches: this pandemic. The resources that EAFAF is providing our students dents, this was not the celebratory ly. First semester proved just how Scott Barker, Dan Culhane, Jus- and our teachers has continued to be astounding. From books, inter- plan for concluding Susan’s more resilient students can be. Their tice Melissa Hart, Jeff Pearson, net access, and teacher grants, to investing in our beautiful audito- than successful tenure at East. overall enthusiasm for the com- Paige Romer, Judy Schulmann, rium and Heritage Hall, your investments through this foundation Susan McHugh is truly a gifted petition, despite the new barriers, John Walsh, and Richard Wedgle. make a difference every day. teacher, no matter if it’s speech, has been heartwarming for the East so hopes to return to an in- Just a note about a team that so many keep an eye on, our “We debate, law, or political science. teachers to witness. East won the person competition for school the People” Constitutional Scholars team. Even through the inter- She is a teacher with high expecta- state competition on December 15, year 2021-2022!! net, our “Con Law” team has captured the Colorado State tions who motivates students to Championship and will participate in the National Competition this achieve at their highest level. Spotlight Turns One Hundred Years Spring. Your support of this team, as with so many other contribu- Susan would be the first one to On April 7, 1921, the first edi- ness just like their adult counter- tion, helps to ensure that our students thrive and sustain the excel- say the Con Scholar teams receive tion of the East High Spotlight parts: The Denver Post and the lence of our school that is your great legacy. great community help and sup- rolled off the presses. Rocky Mountain News. The big Once an Angel, Always an Angel, port, but all three times Susan took The initial staff was change would come Mr. John Youngquist, Principal a team to Nationals, East won first comprised solely of in the ’70s place! To this remarkable teacher members of the as high boys’ Scribblers’ school stu- Round Table, a dents would Scholarship Awards 2020 group of young desire their Started in 1926, awards are bas- Hockman, Lachlan Humphrey, writers. Accord- publication ed on specific qualifications, rec- Camiya Ibanez, Tavonne John- ing to the des- be more than ommendations, written applica- son, Jake Kelly, Jahcinda Law, cription in the a mouthpiece tion, and an interview. Since 2011, Milo Martinez, Sophia Means, 1921 Annual, for the school and the creation of the East Angel Riley Nabbefeld, Madison Or- the purpose of district. They & Alumni Foundation (EAFAF), donez, LaMar Philmon, Clay the club was to began to pub- the scholarship program has been Rasmussen, Nadia Smith, Joseph establish a lish stories supported and funded by the Smith lll, Elaina Weakliem, Ewan high school about what was Foundation. East alums also pro- Wummel, and Halime Yilmaz. newspaper happening in the vide scholarships, often a specif- In addition to the EAFAF schol- where the “outside” world ic class donates in honor of a class- arships, six other scholarships students (i.e. the Viet Nam mate, or as part of a reunion cele- were awarded. Con Scholar team would have War, the Civil bration. participants Max Boubin, Rebec- a voice in Rights Movement, In May of 2020, the East Angel ca Chapman, Adrian Glennie, their school. and Earth Day. Friends & Alumni Foundation, Sophie Goldberg, Alexa Gold- The first editor of More and more the Thomas W. Bean Foundation, stein, and Madison Moore each the Spotlight, Frank Johnston, was the paper became the Epstein-Smith family and received a family scholarship in also the president of the Scribbl- primarily a publication of “op- James & Bonnie Reece generous- honor of 1992 Con Scholar Ethan ers’ Round Table. The most sig- eds” as students wished to share ly provided scholarship dollars to Alex Schor Wolf, and 1996 Con Scholar Emily nificant change would be the their political and cultural opin- 24 students totaling $54,000. again for the generous scholar- L. Saslow. inclusion of girls to the staff. In ions. Most recently the paper has Alex Schor received the special ship.” To give a scholarship in your the early days of East High School even changed its format. It does $6,000 Alumni & Friends Schol- Additional remarkable East name, on behalf of your family, the clubs and activities were seg- not look like the old newspaper, arship. Alex is described by his seniors receiving EAFAF scholar- or in honor of your graduating regated with girls having their but more like a magazine filled teachers as intellectually gifted, ships: Ella Achenbach, Chloe class, contact Beth Woodard: liz own organizations. The Spotlight with opinion pieces. Happy Birth- the epitome of a well-rounded stu- Boule, Elijah Bruggeman, Willi- [email protected] or Cis would be of the first to be coed. day to the East Spotlight, you are dent, and the nicest person one am Daley, Barry Dechtman, Jake sy Nuanes cissynuanes@gmail Over the years the Spotlight part of the long and proud histo- could possibly be. When asked Kelly, John Flanagan, Becca .com. would look like and conduct busi- ry of East High School. about his first semester of college: “I have really enjoyed being at Yale despite the unusual circum- 2021 Heritage Hall Inductees stances. I appreciate the scholar- ship, as it helped me attend Yale, June Morris Schwarcz • Class of 1936 • 1918-2015 Tina Walls • Class of 1973 easing some of the financial bur- A Treasured Enamelist A Force For Social Change In Denver den. I lived on campus fall semes- June Morris made her mark early at East as a writer and scholar. Her Tina was born in Little Rock and has ter even though my classes were passion turned to art and design in college — earning degrees at the family ties that go back to the “Little all virtual. The school did a really University of Colorado and studying industrial design at the Pratt Rock Nine” Central High School deseg- great job with testing and public Institute of Design from 1939-1941. In the 1950s, she was introduced regation struggle in 1957. Moving to health measures and with foster- to the art form of enamelism at the . Denver as a child, Walls attended East ing a cohesive social environment. After relocating to Sausalito, California, with her husband and fam- during court-ordered citywide school I took two computer science class- ily, Schwarcz soon emerged as an internationally renowned “enamelist.” integration as an open enrollment stu- es, Spanish literature, and a class This unique and meticulous art form which fuses colorful glass onto dent. She was a member of the award- called “Jazz and Architecture.” metal at high temperature, winning Speech Team and served on the They were all a ton of work and I dates to the 9th century. Student Council becoming Head Girl. have learned so much. East pre- Her remarkably innova- After graduation from Mills College Denver Center for the pared me well! My extracurricu- tive vessels and sculptures she worked at the Colorado General As- Performing Arts photo lars have been mostly online and are housed at dozens of sembly’s Legislative Council and later Tina Walls have included cybersecurity com- museums worldwide. enjoyed a successful career as a corporate leader and executive, cul- petitions and chess. Next semester Myriad awards honor- minating with C-level positions with the Altria Group. I’ll be attending classes remotely ing Schwarcz include: The Upon retirement and return to Denver, Walls has become a philan- from my home in Denver, since Enamelist Society Award, thropic force promoting arts, culture, education equity, anti-racism, and first-years were only allowed to Who’s Who in American women’s rights. She currently serves as Education and Community En- study in-person for fall semester. Art, and the “Master of the gagement Chair for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Pres- I have been invited to work on a Medium Award” by the ident of Save Venice, a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance computer graphics research proj- Smithsonian Institution. Advisory Committee, and former President and member of the Denver ect for the summer of 2021 in New In 1985, June was desig- Julian Williams photo, from the Chapter, The Links, Incorporated. The National Urban League award- Haven. If the pandemic situation nated a “Living Treasure” American Crafts Council archives ed her the Douglas H. Gannon Award for breaking down barriers to allows, I will! I want to thank you by the state of California. June Schwarcz equal opportunities. A Dedication To Teachers — Past And Present by Richard Nelson “A Teacher Affects Eternity.” (Brooke Adams) This year one of East High School’s finest teachers, George Mansfield, passed away. He joins a long list of exceptional East High teachers who chose to dedicate their lives to the education of this community’s youth. “In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would settle for less.” (Lee Iacocca) George Mansfield Mary Sabin In this strange time, the concept of teaching and the value of teach- ers have come under greater scrut- Flights Of Angels — Alumni & Faculty iny than usual and their task is A List Of East Alumni Who Passed Away In 2020 GEORGE SMITH • Class of 1946 being more fully realized as essen- These were the only ones for whom we received notification. June 1, 1928 - October 24, 2020 tial to a healthy society. I have read YVONNE ANNE BUDIG LILLEHAUG COLLINS (1937) 1920-2020 George was a 1946 graduate of East High and listened to today’s teachers BARBARA MILLER GLASER (1939) 10/27/1921-8/19/2020 School. He experienced a childhood accident as they talk about the risk they ZINETTE SPORE MOORE (1940) 1922-2020 before the age of 4 that resulted in the loss of use take in person-to-person learning. MIRIAM KRAMER SCHAEUBLE (1940) 3/29/1922-3/31/2020 of much of his right hand and arm. With the sup- But, they are also agonizing over BARBARA BOWES MCCARTHY (1944) 1926-2020 port of his family he developed an attitude of virtual learning. Education is in- ELIZABETH JOHNSON (1944) 2/11/22-2/23/2020 challenging himself to rise above his misfortune. tensely personal and not being DONALD WINTER STEIN (1944) 10/3/1927-2/27/2020 As a young man, George was an Eagle Scout able to be in person with their stu- ROBERT WALTER LARSON (1945) 3/20/1927-5/18/2020 and despite his physical limitations excelled as a dents seems unnatural. ROBERT FULLERTON (1947) 4/1/1922-5/25/2020 football and baseball player for the Denver Ath- About every 30 years an entire BERYL BYROM MCGRAW (1948) 8/16/1930-3/30/2020 George Smith letic Club in the Young America League. He was slate of really good teachers leave MORTON PEPPER (1948) 1930-2020 named on the All-City baseball team while playing for the East Angels. the ranks and a new batch of NANCY BELL WOODWARD (1950) 9/30/1932-7/10/2020 He was honored by being inducted into the East High Athletic Hall. young men and women enter East JAMES DIKEOU (1951) 6/22/1933-7/16/2020 He graduated from Colorado A&M (CSU) in 1951 and became a prop- High School to embark on their GERALD MARCOVE (1951) 6/19/1933-7/21/2020 erty manager. He married Mairlou Milano, an East and A&M gradu- own personal journeys. The qual- JAMES PAUL SAMARAS (1951) 5/25/1933-4/29/2020 ate. The two became active in the promotion of square dancing and ity of these young minds is the STUART A. GOTTESFELD (1953) 1935-5/14/2020 eventually built a highly successful business called The Outpost where main reason that East has remain- MARIANNE WHITE HILKER (1953) 7/5/1935-7/27/2020 they taught hundreds the skills of square dancing and round dancing. ed at the top of the game as a rele- RICHARD DALE HAZLETT (1955) 1937-2020 He was inducted into the Denver area Callers and Cuers Hall of Fame. vant place of learning. ROBERT KARL KINGERY (1956) 7/16/1938-4/16/2020 One of the more remarkable aspects of his life was his love for moun- Every child deserves a champi- SALLY RIPPEY (1956) 9/6/38-11/11/2020 tain climbing. Again, despite his handicap, he overcome and in his life- on, an adult who insists that they DIANA RICHARDSON GROVES (1957) 3/20/1940-8/13/2020 time he climbed all 68 peaks over 14,000 feet in the contiguous 48 become the best they can be. The ALFREDA GUY (1959) 1/31/42-4/24/2020 states at least twice. In 1961 he climbed the Matterhorn. George and East High Community can be JOHN TOBER (1959) 1/8/1942-6/27/2020 his sons became the “Climbing Smiths” and they conducted a moun- proud of the long line of wonder- DENNIS ALAN BRESCIA (1965) 10/24/1947-4/28/2020 taineering school for teenage boys ful teachers who have made edu- cation their life and East High IRWIN HOFFMAN • Class of 1949 PETER TEETS • Class of 1959 School as the place to be. WAS A PIONEER EDUCATOR 2/12/42 - 11/29/2020 Turn to Page 4 to read a Irwin Jacob Hoffman, honored both as a pio- Peter B. Teets, an East High Graduate of the teacher’s perspective on neering mathematics teacher and successful class of 1959 and an inductee into the East High “Teaching at East in 2020.” tennis coach, died October 14, 2020. He gradu- Heritage Hall in the class of 2013, died on Novem- ated from East High in1949 where he excelled ber 29, 2020. East High Teacher in the sport of tennis. He went on to win the Col- Following his high school graduation, Peter orado State Tennis Championships in doubles would earn a B.S. and M.S. degree from the Uni- Honored and was runner-up in singles. He earned a ten- versity of Colorado and a MBA from the Massa- Editor’s Note: Many of the early nis scholarship to the chusetts Institute of Technology. He would go on yearbooks would highlight and honor where he played on its championship team. He to complete a highly successful 37-year career in a faculty member. Mary Sabin receiv- Irwin Hoffman graduated from DU in 1953 with a degree in the aerospace and defense industry. Peter Teets ed this distinction in the 1931 East mathematics and physics. He began his career in 1963 as an engineer at the Martin Company High Angelus, reprinted below. Ac- When George Washington High School opened in 1960 he joined the and quickly rose through the ranks of Martin Marietta. In 1977 he companying photo at right above. staff and started the first course in computer mathematics in the coun- became President and Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin The record of Mary S. Sabin is try. President Ronald Reagan presented Irwin with the Presidential Corporation. In 2001 he became the Under Secretary of the Air Force unique in the history of East High Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics in 1983. and Director of the Na-tional Reconnaissance Office. School. For 40 years (1891-1931) Additionally, as a result of his development of the carpool program, His extraordinary career in aerospace and defense won him numer- she has not only been an instruc- President Richard Nixon honored him with a personal letter and a fold- ous awards including the Dr. Wernher von Braun Space Flight Trophy, tor but also a dominant personal- ed United States flag from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). the Dr. Robert Goddard Memorial Trophy, the Hartinger Award, and ity. Her influence and activity in His love for tennis continued his entire adult life. He became the ten- induction into the Colorado Space Heroes Hall of Fame. and outside the class room have nis pro at the Green Gables Country Club where he taught a succes- caused her to be known and loved sion of young players many of whom became Colorado champions. SHEILA FEENEY: by all East students. She will re- He was inducted into the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017 and A MASTER TEACHER AT EAST main an “Angel” and East will he received the coveted JCC Denver Sports Hall of Fame award. In the long history of East High School, sever- continue to feel influence. al teachers left indelible imprints on East stu- Mary Sabin is a native of Colo- GEORGE MANSFIELD • Class of 1945 dents. One of these legendary teachers was Sheila rado, and attended the old Broad- 5/24/27 - 12/6/2020 Feeney. Born on June 29, 1939, Sheila passed away way School and Wolfe Hall in George was a highly respected and beloved on June 15, 2020. She will be remembered by her Denver. She graduated from educator. He lived by high values throughout his many students as a teacher-scholar and educa- Smith College in 1891 and imme- long and full life and was generous and com- tional leader. diately began teaching at East in passionate. He was a spiritual man with a great She taught for 29 years in the Denver Public science and mathematics. She re- intellectual curiosity, yet he loved nothing more Schools, the majority of the time as a Social Studies ceived her Master’s Degree from than being with people. He is remembered as a teacher at East High. She had at least three of the Sheila Feeney the University of Denver in 1907. person with an infectious and mischievous sense qualities necessary for success in the classroom. She was scholar and Miss Sabin has always taken a of humor. historian who knew her subject well, she had the ability to deliver her prominent part in professional He was born and raised in Denver and gradu- material and to make history interesting and relevant to her students, and scholastic activities. She was ated from East High School in the class of 1945. George Mansfield and she thoroughly enjoyed working with young people. the chairwoman of the Curricu- While at East he earned All-City honors in basketball. While attend- She was the first East teacher to be a teacher-coach of the Constitu- lum Committee on Mathematics ing the University of Denver he again played basketball for the Pioneers. tional Scholars Team. It was a proud moment in 1988, when her East for senior high schools and a past He had a distinguished 30 year career as a teacher, elementary prin- team placed 6th in the nation the very first year of competition. Sheila president of the Denver Teacher’s cipal, and administrator before retiring. He spent the next 17 years with laid the groundwork for other East teachers to continue the success of Club. She helped promote intra- Cherry Creek where he was principal of several elementary schools. this highly academic program. mural sports for girls and she was He retired a second time and became the Executive Director of Born in Davenport, Iowa, Sheila entered the Immaculate Conception elected an honorary member of Elementary Education. During his 47 years in education he inspired a Academy of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She left the “D” club (a boys interscholas- legion of students, teachers, principals, and educators everywhere. to pursue a career in public education but continued her association tic sports organization). He was inducted into the Cherry Creek Schools Wall of Fame. with the Academy. She earned her B.A. from Marycrest College in George was a devoted advocate of East High School and one of his Davenport and her M.A. from the University of Northern Colorado. most satisfying moments in his retirement years was sitting in on the 100th Birthday Alumni Scholarship Committee. He never quit enjoying the company GERALD HEDGES: Student Council of young people. EAST HIGH TEACHER Gerald Wayne Hedges, aged 85, of Cen- Is Organized At FLORENCE MARIE SMITH • Class of 1940 • 1922-2020 tennial, Colo., passed away May 7, 2020. A East High School Florence was born October 18, 1922, and passed away October 8, 2020, graduate of South High School, Jerry taught In 1921, what would come in Denver. She graduated from East High School in 1940 and was mar- in the English department at East for 20 to be called the student coun- ried to legendary East High history teacher Price Smith, who preced- years before finishing his final 20 years at his cil was organized at East. It ed her in death. She and Price traveled the world together. Alma Mater (South H.S.) He earned his B.A. would replace the former or- Florence enlisted in the Waves, learned to fly and became an Air degree at the University of Denver and his ganizations known as the Boys Traffic Controller Specialist during World War II. Upon her discharge, M.A. degree from the University of Illinois. and Girls Welfare Committees. she graduated from the University of Denver and was a third grade He was affectionately known by his stu- teacher at Pleasant View Elementary School for more than 30 years. dents as a “master grammarian.” Gerald Hedges of the learning had already taken place for that year. EAST ANGEL FRIENDS & ALUMNI FOUNDATION Beginning remotely in August felt different to every- one: from the assistant principals and counselors tasked with reimagining the entire schedule, to the President’s Message individual teacher considering how to adapt their A Toast To The Class Of 2020 curriculum to an online setting taught in nine-week Greetings East friends and alumni. It has been a very different year quarters. Towering above these challenges in our for East High School, and for EAFAF too. It has been amazing to minds, however, was the enormous question of how watch East teachers and the administration navigate the ever-chang- we were going to actually get to know our students. ing world of COVID, online learning and all the many challenges To a teacher, relationships are everything. Without that come with it — always focused on the students’ experience and them you not only have classroom chaos, you fail to still striving to improve outcomes even as (hopefully) it is drawing develop the community that allows students to to a close. thrive. The fear that this would be a year without real EAFAF has had to adapt this past year as well. From offering, sel- teacher-student relationships resonated with the ecting, and awarding teacher grants and senior scholarships entirely staff. What a delight it was throughout the month of online to learning to fundraise via Zoom, it’s been a year of thinking August, therefore, to be repeatedly proven wrong. on our feet. Volunteers for Angel Packs and the food pantry never Teaching At East In 2020 I was amused to see some my colleagues teaching missed a beat, moving operations outside to support students and online and joking with their students, just as they by Matthew Fulford families in need during a time when the need for support is surging. would in class. I enjoyed it when my own students The Buildings & Grounds committee took advantage of an empty This year has generated mixed emotions for every- giggled and tried to get me off topic by drawing at- East High School — working with DPA to install a new state of the one, though the level of ambivalence felt by teach- tention to a strangely pronounced word from my art projector in the auditorium and also teamed up with the Alumni ers is profound. As an East social studies teacher — muddled northern-English accent. In fact, despite the committee for a much-needed upgrade to all of the lighting in Her- who is known to possess an opinion or two on vari- utter strangeness of it all — the fact that we were all itage Hall. ous matters — I often find myself making contradic- teaching and learning from our own homes — it The Alumni committee also teamed up with EAFAF’s communi- tory statements in the same conversation: “Kids just was these moments of familiarity that were hearten- cations committee to launch a new website where East alums can need to be back in school,” I say (and believe) with ing. They made me realize what I had to look forward reconnect with each other and share stories: https://www.eastang conviction. “Until we can guarantee that schools are to being back inside East High School and also made els.network/. The new site just went live over the holiday and has safe we shouldn’t be risking our lives.” Such is the me beam with admiration at the 14- to 18-year olds already had more than 1,500 visitors. We hope you will visit the site experience of an East teacher in 2020. Nowhere will who had shown so much more resilience than most and let us know what you think. you find a group of professionals more committed of their teachers had by the same age. So, while 2020 has been tough for most everyone, we’ve found to their school than the teachers, counselors, support Nevertheless, we are all soberly aware of the chal- plenty to be grateful for from the generous volunteers, donors, and staff, administrators and other adults who have cho- lenges that await us when we can physically return alumni at East. We can’t thank you enough. sen East as their place of work. Everyone is complete- to East. Many students thrived in an online setting; I’ll leave you with one final story of Angels paying it forward: Last ly devoted to the East community. That is why it has a large number did not. Exacerbated academic chal- spring when COVID first hit and students and teachers abruptly been heart-wrenchingly painful for us to be put in lenges and gaps await us, especially among our switched to online learning, senior classes everywhere were faced a position whereby our rai·son d’ê·tre — our core pro- Black and Hispanic students. Significant emotional with a litany of hurdles to overcome and disappointments to con- fessional mission — is placed in conflict with our and mental health crises have gone unrecognized or tend with — a virtual only college selection process, canceled proms, own personal feelings of safety. untreated. So, while we should all be impressed at “drive-by graduations,” and the like. East seniors were no different, Back in August, I was enormously skeptical about how students and faculty have reimagined school in accept that having spent the year raising money for East’s traditional our ability to teach students remotely from the begin- order to make the best of this crisis, we need to re- after-prom celebration, that too was canceled. Faced with yet anoth- ning of the school year. The spring experience was member that our return to the building presents us er COVID let down, when the Class of 2020 got together to decide … fine. Teachers and students were in survival mode, with an opportunity to improve school for every what to do with those proceeds, they voted to donate them (more but our job was to wrap up an otherwise normal student. We are so eager to be back inside our beau- than $20,000 dollars in all) to EAFAF and asked that they be used school year with as little damage as possible. The tiful building to see the students every day who to support low-income families and special needs students at East losses were still significant as graduation, athletics, make this job so worthwhile. Still, we should all aim overcome the challenges posed by another year of remote learning. and prom, for example were all absent. Yet the bulk much higher than just a “return to normal.” So if you are in need of a little inspiration heading in to the new year, look no further than your newest class of East alumni. Hear- SPOTLIGHT ON EAST ALUMS hear, Class of 2020. Cameron Bertron EAST GRADUATE joined forces to become the driv- EAST HIGH GRADUATE RECONFIRMED PUBLISHES NEW BOOK East High Angel Foundation President ing force behind the sale of local, FOR HIGH COURT iconic Tattered Cover Book Store. Judy Kawamoto, class of 1961, Melissa Hart, class of 1987, was Kwame Spearman graduated recently published a book titled: CHANGE OF ADDRESS recently reconfirmed to her seat on from East High School in 2002, FORCED OUT: A Nikkei Woman’s Help us to keep track of you when you move. the Colorado Supreme Court. The and his partner David Back grad- Search for A Home. The book sheds We can then be confident that alumni materials will continue to be sent to you. former Angel was originally ap- uated the same year from George light on the economic, physical To report address changes, please go to www.eastangelfriends.org pointed to the court by Governor Washington High School. and cultural effects of “voluntary and click on “Contact” to update your information. John Hickenlooper in December Both men established excep- evacuation” of Japanese American 2017. Prior to joining the court tional college careers. Kwame families during World War II. (A Justice Hart was a professor at the graduated with honors from Co- Nikkei is a Japanese emigrant. Al- We’re very excited to announce University of Colorado Law School lumbia University with degrees though they have a Japanese an- and was the director of the Byron in history, political science and Af- cestry, they are citizens of another the launch of the R. White Center for the Study of rican American studies. David country). Amid hysteria and bigo- American Constitutional Law. graduated magna cum laude from try, the American government East Angels Alumni Network! While at East, Melissa distin- the University of Pennsylvania. would force nearly 120,000 Amer- Hello, friends and alumni of East High! guished herself as one of the top Both earned advanced degrees ican citizens out of their west coast 10 scholars in the class of 1987. from Harvard University, Swame homes and into internment camps. Whether you are here in Colorado, living in another state, She was active as a member of the in business and David in law. Approximately 5,000 left the coast or even another country, we want you to stay connected to East High speech team and was These two entrepreneurs step- in anticipation of the order and East High School. As you know, one of the greatest things the 1987 winner of the historic ped in to form an investment fled inland to Wyoming, Montana about East is the passionate commitment to the school Wolcott Sight Reading contest. group of 11 local figures. Kwame and Colorado. Judy’s family was from both the students and their families. She earned her bachelor’s de- is the chief stockholder and CEO one such family. gree from Harvard-Radcliffe Col- of the organization and David Many of the children of these With this in mind, we have developed and just launched the lege. Upon graduation, she taught will serve as the chairman of the families found themselves in Den- East Angels Alumni Network (www.eastangels.network) at a high school in Athens, Greece. board. ver schools, especially East and to help you “find old friends, get involved, She returned to Harvard and earn- They do not plan to shut down Manual High Schools. While at and support the school you love.” ed a law degree in 1995. any of the four locations, although East, Judy was a Seraph Sister, a TATTERED COVER HAS the LoDo location on Wynkoop White Jacket, a member of student NEW LOCAL OWNERSHIP Street will be moved to McGregor council and a participant in the They were two bright young Square across from . Wolcott Sight Reading contest. students who were rivals at Den- A fifth Tattered Cover is slated to ver high schools. Today, they have open in the Westminster area. East Traditions Canceled Sullivan Gateway Restoration For the first time in the long (Continued from Page 1) two important groups in the early history of the Woodbury Decla- graffiti, vandalism, and human growth of Denver and Colorado. mation and Wolcott Sight neglect all contributed to the dire One statue has two women who Reading programs were can- situation. represented the Homestead fami- celed. The programs were can- In 2016, a Master Plan was com- lies and the other statue has two celed due to the COVID-19 pleted by Bishop Mundus Designs men who represent the mining pandemic which closed East and the renovation began to take industry. The statue of women is High School for most of the shape in phases. As of 2020, the noteworthy in that there are so few 2020 school term. last major work was done on the outdoor monuments dedicated to The Woodbury contest be- The East Angels Alumni Network will connect you to crumbling walls. This included re- the contributions of women. gan in the very first year of other East alumni and former faculty, provide updates on pairing all of the 300 feet of terra John Clark Mitchell, a Denver East’s existence in 1874 at Arap- school news, share school history and stories of other cotta walls which were split even- banker, donated $35,000 to build ahoe School. The program ran graduates, and facilitate reunions. ly on the west and east sides of the the gateway (1966) and dedicated every year since that opening Esplanade. Earlier, the Dolphin it to Dennis Sullivan, his friend date for 156 years. The Wolcott We encourage you to visit and register with the site today Sight Reading program ran for to start connecting with former classmates and friends. Fountain located near Colfax was and his colleague. The city owns repaired and two small lion head the property on which the park- 153 years starting in 1877 at the Visit the New Site! fountains were carved into the way stands. The funding and mo- Arapahoe School. two walls. tivation for this renovation involv- These cancellations were Most importantly, our new website will enable you to only two of several traditional help support the most vital aspects of East High School — The Esplanade was first con- ed several groups: Denver Parks ceived in 1906 by George Kessler, and Recreation, History Colorado, events to be canceled at East. the building and grounds, the teachers and The Senior prom and the East administrators, and the students. but it would be 11 years before the and several advocate groups, project was completed. Besides the which include our own East Angel High graduation ceremony We look forward to watching this website grow, walls and the fountain, two tow- Friends and Alumni Foundation. were also canceled. Another and are confident it will provide another way for our ering 40 foot statues were erected. We are proud to tell you that the significant cancellation was the community to support our school for years to come. On top of the two doric columns crown jewel of East Colfax is back Constitutional Scholars trip to were statues that memorialized and well. nationals.