Los Alamos High School graduate Cecilia Pratt, center, poses with LAHS teacher Lynn Ovaska and community members Karyl Ann Armbruster and Ellen Mills after receiving the inaugural Brian Easton Memorial Scholarship during the 2026 Local Scholarship Award Ceremony. Courtesy photo
Ovaska, Armbruster, and Mills present Pratt with a pair of suspenders in tribute to the late Dr. Brian Easton. Courtesy photo
LAPSF News:
The Los Alamos community has come together to honor the life and legacy of longtime Los Alamos High School educator Dr. Brian Easton through the creation of the Brian Easton Memorial Scholarship.
Established following Easton’s sudden passing in March, the scholarship recognizes the lasting impact he had on generations of students during more than 25 years of teaching at Los Alamos High School. The effort was led by community members Ellen Mills, Karyl Ann Armbruster, and Lynn Ovaska, who helped organize the scholarship fund and rally support from friends, former students, colleagues, and community members.
“We had worked with Brian for 23 years doing Los Alamos Federation of School Employees (LAFSE) negotiations while we were union presidents and also knew him as a friend,” said Mills and Armbruster. “We felt that Brian was a person who cared about others, so gifting a scholarship to a person who would value the award was high on our list of qualifications.”
The response was overwhelming. More than $11,000 was donated by 38 community members, ensuring that Easton’s commitment to education and student success will continue for years to come. The Easton family also contributed an additional $5,000 to help sustain the scholarship for future students.
At the 2026 Local Scholarship Award Ceremony, graduating senior Cecilia Pratt was awarded $1,000 for the Brian Easton Memorial Scholarship.
“I felt very honored to receive the scholarship because even though I never had Dr. Easton, I have heard so many people talk about how amazing he was,” said Pratt. She was simultaneously surprised and deeply touched to be the first student to honor his memory in this special way.
As a former teacher of Pratt, Ovaska shared, “She always did work of the highest quality and asked questions to dig deeper. Not only is she a citizen of the world, she is a kind human who does excellent work, just like Dr. Easton! He would be celebrating Cecilia and supporting her as she makes her mark globally.”
Pratt plans to study Pre-law and International Relations at IE University with the ultimate goal of becoming an International Lawyer.
As a tribute to Easton’s distinctive personal style, Pratt was also presented with a pair of suspenders during the ceremony, an affectionate nod to the trademark suspenders and bushy mustache that made Easton instantly recognizable to generations of students.
Former LAPS Foundation Executive Director Jenny McCumber thanked the community for its generosity, saying, “Thank you to the many people who donated to help make this scholarship possible. We will be awarding it for many years to come.”
Before becoming an educator, Easton spent 14 years practicing law. Seeking a new environment, he moved to New Mexico and began a second career in teaching. Over the next 25-plus years, he taught a wide variety of social studies courses, as well as Economics, Constitutional Law, and Ethnic Conflict. Easton was widely admired for his intelligence, quick wit, and kindness.
Easton’s dedication to excellence was recognized throughout his career. He was named an Educator of Distinction by LAPS Foundation Scholars four times and was respected not only as a teacher but also as a mentor to colleagues, an active member of the local teachers’ union, and a participant in the Democratic Party of Los Alamos County. He retired in May 2024, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, outstanding teaching, and unwavering support for students.
The Brian Easton Memorial Scholarship ensures that his passion for education will continue to benefit future generations of Los Alamos students.
Community members interested in contributing to the scholarship may donate online at lapsfoundation.com/donate or mail a check to LAPS Foundation, 1010 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM 87544. Donors should note “Easton Scholarship” on any contribution. Donations are tax deductible. For additional information, contact the LAPS Foundation at 505.500.6501.
