Tom Eklund, Physics Teacher 1974-2021

For 47 years, Tom Eklund shared his love of Physics with Grossmont students and staff.  Tom's his unique ability was shown by the fact that he had 5 physics classes, an unheard of number at a public high school.

Tom had the amazing respect of his colleagues and his students. Students felt the love that Tom had for physics and for teaching, often describing with awe the experiments or demonstrations he had shared that day in class, bringing physics to life for them.

Tangible symbols of Tom's achievements are the fact that he was selected as GHS Teacher of the Year by his colleagues in 2001, 2015, and 2021. In 2001, Tom received National Board Certification for Professional Teaching Standards, based on an extensive, year-long series of assessments.  It is the highest honor in the teaching profession.

Also, Foothiller students selected Tom as their Golden Apple recipient in 1986, 1997, and 2016. Over the years, various yearbooks have documented his dedication to teaching with nicknames such as “Lives by Subject Taught” “Same Home Address as GHS”, “Workaholic”, and “Young at Heart”.

Tom’s dedication to his students and his craft as a teacher not only shaped many engineers now in the workforce, but also inspired many teachers to become better teachers. 

Through 5 decades, Foothiller students and staff have applauded Tom Eklund for his dedication and his love of teaching.  He was an inspiration to all.