About Us
History of the EHS Alumni Association
Facts about the East High Alumni Association
East High School officially opened on Monday, November 26, 1900. The Alumni Association was formed in 1901 with the purpose of helping to continue the social life of the school. In 1906, an Alumni Fund Association was incorporated to “give temporary aid when needed to alumni during their college courses.”
Daniel W. Lothman became principal in 1910 and served 21 years as principal (31 years as a staff member). Mr. Lothman felt that no student should be deprived of a college education; he enlarged the informal scholarship fund established by the Alumni Fund Association, frequently supplementing it from his own pocket. Upon Mr. Lothman’s retirement in 1931, a group of alumni organized the East High Alumni Association of Cleveland and formally incorporated it under the laws of Ohio on May 23, 1931.
The celebration of the Golden Jubilee celebration in 1950 was the impetus for the revitalization and the reenergizing of the East High Alumni Association. The Alumni Association served as the driving force behind the organization of the celebration for the Golden Jubilee, as well as the earlier 25th anniversary celebration.
When it was time to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in 1975, the Alumni Association again stepped up. The Alumni was made aware of the lack of reliable transportation for staff and students to cultural, educational and athletic events around the city. The Alumni ordered a 66-passenger bus and an 18 passenger bus (at cost of $17, 887.34 and $10, 492.39 respectively) which was paid for from gifts from alumni members, friends, faculty and staff.
During the 1980 and 90’s, the Alumni Association not only provided the annual scholarship, but tutoring, mentoring to the scholarship recipients and an active presence in the school for projects and programs was a part of the commitment to service.
East High School marked its centennial year in 2000 and celebrated with alumni, staff, and friends in 2001. The extravaganza was orchestrated by alumni members and marked once again its revitalization. With a newly elected board and officers, the Alumni Association resumed the practice of awarding scholarships to worthy students. Scholarships and assistance totaling more than $70,000 (from dues, contributions, and fund raisers) have been awarded since the 1980’s alone. The Alumni Association made its presence known in the school as well as in the surrounding community through mentoring, contributions (both monetary and academic), and volunteering.
Even though everyone was heartbroken when the school closed, the Alumni Association continued to award scholarships to other students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Since the closing of East High in 2010, the Alumni Association has awarded $16,000 to college-bound students (recently partnered with College Now). Our board members and officers, who have served since 2001, have been dedicated and diligent in their efforts to make sure the legacy of excellence started by their predecessors continues on. The treasurer, Yvonne Pounds, has served since 1987; the executive board president, Rhonda Young-Hurt, and the president of the organization, Robert L. Canady, Sr. have both served since 2001. The scholarship committee and fThey are now in the process of organizing a gala to be held on October 27, 2018. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund.
“Noblesse Oblige”, the motto of East High, exemplifies the spirit of the alumni officers and its members. It is what has motivated and sustained them for the past 100 plus years and hopefully will continue for the next 100.