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Grossmont High School Museum - Honoring the Past

In June 2007, Lynn and I began a journey into the history of GHS.  October 2008, we opened the first GHS Museum in the old book room storage room in the Math Building.

14 years later in October 2021, we opened the second, much larger, museum in the 1950 Girls PE Rec Room.

Then, for two years, from June 2022-January 2024, the museum was closed and all of its contents placed in storage. In January, we gained access to our new space and began creating our current displays.  5 months later, on May 14, 2024, we reopened in our new, but smaller, space.  

Thanks to our wonderful volunteers over the years, we have been able to recreate most of our displays: recently Class of 1970 Jerry Botts, Class of 1975 sister Yvonne Baer Vellone, her husband Dave Vellone, and son Matt Vellone; Nephew Kyle Baer and wife Kijan, and then previously, Bill Woolman, Class of 1962, and Paul Miller, Class of 1966.  We couldn’t have done it without each of you!

A special thank you to GHS Principal Dan Barnes, Plant Manager Tom Fordham, Utility Day Person Eddie Ramos, and District Carpenter Tony Patton for their unending support, expertise, and guidance. Also, we thank the wonderful GUSHS maintenance department for their help in solving a myriad of problems for us.

We hope you visit us soon and share in our enthusiasm for the great love that students, staff, and community have for Grossmont High School. 

These photos show the evolution of the GHS Museum.

2025 Hall Of Honorees

2025 Hall Of Honor

These 12 honorees will join the current 51 Hall of Honorees, Foothillers who have distinguished themselves through their years of service to GHS or through their achievements after high school.

7 GHS Educators and Staff

  1. Dorothy Cooke Smith, GHS Pioneer Educator 1927-1967
  2. Jean Creelman, GHS Pioneer Educator 1946-1974
  3. Tom Eklund, Physics Teacher 1974-2021
  4. Sandy La Plant, Math Teacher 1970-2010
  5. 5. Sue Emerson, Science Teacher 1974-1996
  6. Joe Gizoni, Beloved Foothiller Staff 1962-2003
  7. Eddie DeCoito, Beloved Foothiller Staff 1969-2005

5 GHS Alumni

  1. Roberto Ricardo Alvarez, Class of 1937: Historic Plaintiff and Successful Hispanic Businessman
  2. Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, Class of 1953: Innovative Architect
  3. Milton Silverman, Class of 1962, Trial Attorney Known for his Dedication to Clients
  4. Kimberlin Brown, Class of 1979, Award Winning Soap Opera Actress and Philanthropist
  5. Steve Martin, Class of 1988, Inspirational Double Amputee Veteran and Athlete

We will celebrate these wonderful Foothillers and their achievements second semester. Stay tuned for more details!

Museum Contact Info

Fall 2025 GHS Museum Hours
Saturdays from 10-1 All Are Welcome
December 13th

OR Fridays by prior appointment when school is in session; email us or call to schedule an appointment.
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.

Barbara Smith McCluskey, Class of 1953

Barbara Smith McCluskey, Class of 1953, Red Robe Choir Member, With the 1951 Christmas Pageant Program and Pageant Showcase

Mary Brunner in front of Spirit Display

Mary Brunner in front of Spirit Display with Her Freshman Beanie, Class of 1962 Tassel and Class Ring

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

2020 map

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.

2025 Museum Sponsorship Opportunities
support the museum
2024 Memorabilia Donors

Kent Abbott, Class of 2018: Letterman’s Jacket with 2015 Valley, 2016 and 2018 Hills League Tennis Champions Patches and 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Tennis CIF Championship Patches, as well as Devils Pups Patch.

Family of Betty Eileen Anderson, Class of 1942, Son Scott Tillwell: 1941 Photograph of GHS taken from Fuerte Dr. by Her Parents; WWII Photo of Jack Durham, Class of 1943, Jack Durham’s Memoir of His Experiences in WWII, and Jack’s 1943 El Recuerdo Photograph

Quentin Decker, Retired GHS Teacher: Antique Royal Typewriter

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Our Generous 2024 Donors

2024 Financial Donors

2024 New Museum: Jim Stieringer, Class of 1959; Sue Gillespie Larson, Class of 1965; Mardi Penny Musick, Class of 1966; Tom Bloomer, Class of 1967

2024 New Small Showcases: Dave McVie, Class of 1962; Deanna Brady Sampson, Class of 1965; The Shaieb Family: Betty Jo Shaieb, Class of 1952, Mark Shaieb Class of 1980, Dora and Dona Shaieb, Class of 1982; The Zumwalt Family: Barbara Zumwalt, Class of 1975; Jim Zumwalt, Class of 1974; Fran Zumwalt, Class of 1972 and Sue Sharpe, Class of 1954

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THE NEW GHS MUSEUM