September 2025 - More Good News
A Dream Becomes Reality
Saturday, September 13th, was a special day at Grossmont High School. The Class of 1975 visited the museum as part of their 50th Reunion. During their visit, we celebrated the birth of a campus mural paying tribute to our 3 amazing astronauts.
Ellen Ochoa surrounded by Class of 1975 mates
GHS Math teachers Kevin Baer and Phlynn Heuback, Retired Math teacher Yvonne Baer Vellone, Ellen Ochoa, Math Teacher Kristen LoPrell, Science teacher Stephanie La Berge-Luhnow, and Principal Dan Barnes
Lynn, Ellen, Connie, Paul Jimenez
2025 Astronaut Mural Proof
2024 Walk for Coach Baer
Several days earlier, Ground Floor Muralist Paul Jimenez, (creator of the Joe Musgrove mural already on campus) began painting the mural with the goal of having Ellen Ochoa’s face painted before Saturday since Ellen is a member of the Class of 1975.
The mural depicts all three astronauts from left to right, Bill Anders, Class of 1951, Apollo 8 astronaut and photographer of the iconic “Earthrise”; Ellen Ochoa, first Hispanic woman Space Shuttle astronaut, later Director of the Johnson Space Center, and the recipient of the 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Space Shuttle astronaut and flight Commander Rick Sturckow, Class of 1978.
Images from “Earthrise” provide the background for the three astronauts’ NASA photos. The mural faces the museum and is a testament to the historic accomplishments of three Foothillers.
The mural would not have been possible without the financial support of our alumni, retirees, and community. We continue to welcome donations to fund our next mural honoring our two WASPs, Women’s Air Force Service Pilots. Visit our website at foothillermuseum.com and donate on our home page or email us at
2025 4th Annual ALS Walk for Coach Marlin Baer
Sunday, October 5th, at 10 am De Anza Cove
Our father Marlin Baer died of ALS in 1987. In 1983, he retired after teaching and coaching for 40 years. From 1956-1983, he taught at his beloved Grossmont High school, a teaching legacy that continued with several of his children teaching at GHS from 1973 to 2020 and today with his grandchildren, two teaching now at GHS.
After retirement, Dad continued to go to track and field practice at GHS as long as he could to guide the shot and discus throwers. One of his throwers shared with us that “Coach Baer was the first person to give me the support and self confidence that would give me the emotional strength and maturity to excel and achieve what I did in my life.” His athletes remember him as their coach, mentor, and friend.
Sadly, we know of several Foothiller alumni who have died of ALS as well as family members of several other GHS teachers.
We invite you to join us in supporting our team with a donation. You can donate to an existing team member or become a team member yourself.
Note: If you prefer, you may write a check payable to ALS San Diego Chapter and mail to Connie and Lynn Baer, 5990 Avenorra Dr. La Mesa, 91942.
We will drop it off at the walk in October.
WHY WE WALK
Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.
ABOUT ALS
ALS can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease, yet it still costs loved ones an average of $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Join the movement to provide help and hope today!
We Thank You!
Daughters Connie, Diane, Lynn Baer, and Yvonne Baer Vellone, Son Greg Baer, and their families
Become a Member of GHS Educational Foundation
The impact of the Foundation is evident throughout the campus. For example, last school year, the Foundation awarded several teacher and staff mini-grants:
2024-25 Mini-grants
Table & chairs for classroom - Sara Ortiz
Choir Concert Venue - Grace Morrison
Calculators - Matt Flisher
NJROTC Transportation - Jermaine Wilkerson
Picnic Tables - Lara Miller
JV Boys Volleyball Uniforms - Aaron French
Gravitational Balance Activity - Donald Sheahan
Power Hour Incentives – David Youngblood, Daniel Valoria, Shelby Schlatt
Flexible Seating - Sara Ortiz
Senior Decision Day Food - Deborah Aguila
English teacher Shelby Schlatt shared the impact of the Power Hour Incentives with us: “Incentives were highly successful in garnering participation at our Power Hour tutorial sessions with the Freshman Success Cohort during the 24-25 school year. Whether it was donuts, breakfast burritos, or chips, students were always excited to enjoy a treat while completing some work to improve their grades. We (Ms. Schlaht, Mr. Valoria, and Mr. Youngblood) surely enjoyed being able to support our students in this way. Thank you!”
We welcome the community’s support of our students and staff through a donation to the GHS Educational Foundation. To donate, visit their website at foothillerfoundation.com.
Wonderful things are happening at Grossmont High School. Join us as we celebrate, preserve, and display 105 years of Foothiller history.
Upcoming Foothiller Events
September 26th Homecoming
Before School Alarm Clock Pep Rally - New Gym
Pep Assembly: Homecoming
Football Game vs Otay Ranch and Fireworks
September 27th Homecoming Dance
October 3-4th Class of 1965 60th Reunion: contact
Visit the GHS Museum
10-1 Saturday October 4th
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Fridays by prior appointment when school is in session
Contact: