July 2025 - More Good News
As always, at the end of second semester and a school year, we pause to reflect on the wonderful achievements and experiences of Foothillers.
Accolades
These staff members were selected for recognition because of their professionalism, their dedication, and their caring:
Counseling Administrative Assistant Danielle Cooke, chosen by the GHS staff as its Classified Employee of the Year.
Math teacher Daniel Valoria, selected by GHS students as their Golden Apple Teacher of the Year
Drama Teacher Amity Ecker, chosen by GHS teachers as their Teacher of the Year.
GHS Gold Star Volunteer of the Year GHS Educational Foundation President Christina Gardner, whom Dan Barnes celebrated her in his nomination: “We are incredibly fortunate to have Christina as part of the Grossmont family. Her contributions exemplify the power of volunteerism and the profound difference one individual can make. Christina’s generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication truly embody the spirit of Grossmont High School, and we are deeply grateful.”
ASB News
2025 Senior Activities
The month of May was filled with activities including Grad Night at Disneyland, the Senior Awards Night, and a Senior Assembly.
Of course, one of the highlights was the Senior Prom which 480 students attended, held at the Music Box on May 3rd with the theme of VIP Access. During the evening, Gabby Wright and Alem Shinkawa were crowned Prom Queen and King.
2025 Dodge Ball Tournament
ASB student organizer Marissa Farace shared that “This year’s dodgeball was super fun and a little different! We usually do our big tournament on Thursday nights and the finals on Friday during an assembly; but this year…we did it all on Friday in front of the school, and I was able to host the assembly and play in the game, which was pretty cool.
We had great crowd support and entertainment, all teams dressed up, smiles filled in the gym. The decoration color theme that I chose was a variety of different colors- inspired by the different color of dodgeballs. Overall, it was a great turn out and everyone had a fun time, me included. Can’t wait for next year!”
Athletic Good News
Baseball: Made it to CIF after beating rival Helix to qualify and then Steele Canyon in the first round
Boy’s Golf: Qualified 2 golfers to CIF
Gymnastics: Robyn Peters medaled at CIF
Girls’ Lacrosse: The team lost in the first round of CIF Division 3 in a tough fought game.
Girls Softball: Coach Jerry Lerud shares that “Center Fielder Nakhia Lee will be playing softball for Howard University next year. Ashley Beard will be going to UCLA with a 4.85 GPA, but she won't be playing.”
Swim and Dive: Strong showing at League and CIF. Many medals at CIF.
Addyson Clark won League in Dive for the third year in a row.
Freshman Aramis Willett placed 6th at the State meet as a Freshman.
Track and Field: Gabbi Thomas and Torin Sotelo made it to the State meet. Freshman Miley Christenson was 5th in SD CIF in the shot put; in April Miley received first place medals at the Dick Wilken's Frosh/Soph Championship in both the Shot Put and Discus, with a bright future ahead.
Counseling Department
Department Chairman Laura Dawson reflects that “May was definitely a busy time in the counseling office!
On May 1st we celebrated our students who completed their A-G requirements at Senior Decision Day. Students received a poster where they were able to write their postsecondary plan (college, military, etc), pose for a picture, and then were treated to a pizza lunch. The Dance Team performed as well as the Jazz Band. It was a positive celebratory event.
We also wanted to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. Our Peer Listeners planned several lunchtime activities to break the stigma of mental illness. They hosted lunch "sidewalk talks," a mindful movement activity, a mental health fair with outside agencies promoting their programs, a door decorating contest, and a schoolwide lesson about mental health and resources for accessing support.”
Performing Arts Department
Instrumental Music
Director James Villegas proclaims that “This has been an amazing year for the Grossmont Wind Ensemble and the band. After a long hiatus, we rejoined the state festival circuit, and in three festivals earned Excellent in Oceanside, a Superior in San Juan Capistrano, and a unanimous Superior from the judges at the Grossmont Festival of Bands. This year we doubled our performance efforts and pulled some classics from the 1970s, when Grossmont’s band was one of the hottest bands in America, and showed the band members what Grossmont is capable of achieving.
In other news we were excited to be bringing back the All District Marching Band, led by this flagship school, for the 2025 La Mesa Flag Day Parade on June 14th. If it takes root, we hope to continue this long past-due tradition at the San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade in December.
Finally, we held our annual Pops Concert on May 29th in the Grossmont Theater.”
Drama
The GHS Foothiller Players performed the Spring Musical, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, for sold out audiences for 6 nights in March! With a live band and over 100 students involved in the production, it was a rousing success!
The CCAP (College Credit Advanced Acting Honors) class presented An Evening of One Acts on in May in the Black Box.
Art Department
Photography teacher Carolyn Jungman shared that there was “Lots of Good News this Semester!
First, our 39th Annual GUHS District Art Show was a rousing success. We had roughly 40 Grossmont visual artists represented and 18 of them won ribbons for their work. Lacy Sparkman-Ned won Best in Show for her piece, “In the Arms of the Angels” and was also recognized as the Superintendent's Choice.
Additionally, we brought back our annual Visual Art Showcase on May 15-16 with roughly 400 art pieces on display. It was very successful and a great celebration of the art and artists on our campus this year. Friday, the 16th, students from periods 2-6 classes were invited to the Art Courtyard behind the art building with a chance to pick their favorite entries.”
At the end of another school year, Foothillers students and staff can reflect on their achievements with great pride and look forward with great anticipation for its upcoming 105th school year.
Visit the GHS Museum This Summer
10-1 Saturdays, August 23rd, September 13th
Contact:
Upcoming Reunions
Class of 1965 60th Reunion: Save the Weekend of October 3rd
Class of 1970 55th Reunion: August 23, 2025 Contact
Class of 1975 50th Reunion: September 12th-14th