Beyond our Spirit Scholarships, we are proud to steward two donor-established scholarships each spring that reflect the passions, values, and memorial wishes of their founders.
This year, we are pleased to recognize two remarkable students selected for their alignment with the vision behind these special scholarships.
Meg Pakenham Stahley Scholarship
2025 Recipient: Sean Smith, Heritage High School
Scholarship Award: $1,000
Sean Smith distinguished himself as an outstanding student in AP Language and Composition. Throughout the year, he demonstrated persistence, intellectual curiosity, and a sincere commitment to personal growth. Sean overcame self-doubt through hard work and emerged as a confident, thoughtful writer and class contributor.
He regularly enriched classroom discussions, offering unique insights while thoughtfully engaging with the perspectives of his peers. Sean’s willingness to listen and reflect helped him gain both wisdom and maturity—qualities that will serve him well far beyond high school.
Even as his writing improved, Sean challenged himself, refusing to settle or become complacent. His dedication to growth and excellence makes him a deserving recipient of the Meg Pakenham Stahley Scholarship. With the skills and resilience he developed in AP Language, there’s no doubt that Sean will continue to thrive.
Congrats, Sean!
Johnson Family Scholarship
2025 Recipient: Samantha Denman, Littleton High School
Scholarship Award: $1,000
Whether in the classroom, on the cross-country course, or in the pool, Samantha “Sam” Denman leads with integrity, compassion, and tireless dedication. As a captain of both the cross-country and swim teams at Littleton High School, Sam sets the tone with her kindness and encouragement.
Sam’s journey has not been without obstacles. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, she faced significant academic challenges early on. But rather than letting this define her, Sam confronted it with determination. She worked harder than most, consistently enrolling in rigorous coursework and embracing her learning differences not as limitations, but as motivators.
As LHS counselor Angie Zerr shares, “Dyslexia is not something anyone can help, but facing it head-on is how Sam deals with it.” Sam’s grit, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence embody the spirit of the Johnson Family Scholarship.
Way to go, Sam!
