Sue Emerson, GHS Science Teacher 1974-1996

From her first days at Grossmont, Sue Emerson quickly established herself as an outstanding teacher, colleague, and educational leader. In the next 22 years, Sue taught challenging science classes including Chemistry, Biology, Oceanography, Bio2Chem2, Science Seminar, and AP Biology and served as Science Department Chairperson from 1976-1979 and 1990-1996. Sue was also advisor to several classes and to the campus CSF (California Scholastic Federation).

A former student remembers, “In the years from 1977-1982, Sue was an amazing Chemistry and Bio2/Chem2 teacher for our family. She not only taught with incredible knowledge, but added valuable lessons along the way. All three of us went on to receive science degrees in college, including Biology, Zoology, and Marine Biology. I like to think that Sue Emerson is the reason why!”

Sue was also a Resource/Mentor teacher from 1989-1996, and in 1994, the SD Chapter of the American Chemical Society recognized her as Outstanding Chemistry Teacher of the Year. Also, Sue served on the San Diego Science Educators Board as Lead Teacher for the San Diego Science Alliance and served in several capacities for the State of CA for the Golden State Examinations, including serving as GSE Science Coordinator.

In 1989, Foothiller students chose Sue as their GHS Golden Apple Teacher of the Year. In 1996, GHS teachers selected her as their Teacher of the Year. Subsequently, Sue was selected by the San Diego County Department of Education as a 1997 SD County Teacher of the Year.

Sue Emerson was a gifted educator. After leaving Grossmont, Sue used her teaching and leadership skills in administration at several county schools.

Museum Contact Info

Summer and Fall 2026 GHS Museum Hours
From 10-1 Saturdays for All: September 19th (Class of 1971 Reunion), October 10th (Classes of 1956 and 1966), October 24th (Class of 1976), and November 21st OR Fridays by prior appointment when school is in session.

OR Fridays by appointment when school is in session
You will need to check in at the front school office.
Email us or call to schedule an appointment.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 619-668-6140

We are located near the pool
on the east side of campus.

Thank you, Bill Hoffman, Class of 1964

In Spring 2026, Bill surprised us with a wonderful tribute to the museum. He wrote and recorded two versions, a Pop and a Country Western style, of a song about the GHS Museum: “Hymn to Connie and Lynn and the Grossmont Museum.” You can read the lyrics of the song while you listen to the two versions below.

Prepare yourselves for a good time!

Hymn To Connie & Lynn (Country)

Hymn To Connie & Lynn (Retro Pop)

Museum Directors
Connie and Lynn Baer

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(619)-668-6148
Alum/Museum Facebook
Foothiller Foundation

Jackson Naah, Class of 2028, frequently visits the Museum. Jackson plays his banjo on Fridays at the La Mesa Farmers’ Market.

Class of 1959 Alumni Kitty Gregg Kope, Nancy Berg Lamb, Sue Cosby Kaplan, and Marti Ballance Guarin have been getting together yearly since 1987. They stand in front of the 2 drawings of GHS they inspired Artist Bob Happ to create for Grossmont High School.

Click Map for Larger Image

Closest parking available off Dennstedt Place, near the tennis courts. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank You for Your Support

The Museum operates solely on donations, which are used to create the Museum displays, to preserve our memorabilia, and to celebrate Grossmont's history.

To make a tax-deductible financial donation, please use the DONATE button below. If you would like to sponsor a certain project, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You may also write a check, payable to the GHS Educational Foundation, and mail it to Connie and Lynn Baer, 5999 Avenorra Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942. In the check memo, please specify your sponsorship of a certain project or specify Museum General Fund.

Grossmont High School Honors Astronaut Alumni With Inspiring Campus Mural

10News San Diego
Bill Anders, Class of 1951
Ellen Ochoa, Class of 1975
Frederick W. “Rick” Sturckow - Class of 1978