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June 2026 - Graduation

This year 394 seniors in the Class of 2026 became part of an amazing group: nearly 41,000 Foothiller graduates.  For 105 years, Grossmont High School’s students and staff have taken great pride in its graduation traditions, many which began in its first decade. Thursday, June 4th, graduation was again held on campus in the Jack Mashin Stadium. 

2026 daisy chain

2026 Daisy Chain (Kristen LoPrell Photographer)

adding daisies

Daisy Chain adding Daisies to Chain (Matt Flisher Photographer)

Retirees

During the celebration, four retirees were recognized for their service to Grossmont: Laura Dawson, English Teacher and Counselor, Mike Smith, Social Science Teacher, Anna Jacobs, Spanish Teacher, and Lori Sterling, Special Education Aide.

Daisy Chain

Since 1936, graduating seniors have been led into the ceremony by students carrying the Daisy Chain, a 90-year tradition, created from the 1920s historic ivy which still grows on campus, now in the lower quad, and white daisies.  Guided by Daisy Chain advisors Matt Flisher and Kristen LoPrell, the teaching staff selected 50 outstanding juniors based on their school activities, scholarship, and citizenship; being selected is the highest honor awarded juniors.

Outstanding Seniors

This year, as in years past, 3 perpetual graduation trophies were awarded to seniors. The most prestigious service award given is the Norman Freeman Award, first awarded in 1953 as a memorial to Norman Freeman, ASB President, Class of 1947. The trophy is engraved with the words, “For the Grossmont student who has most strengthened democracy through participation”.  This year’s 73rd honoree is Anabella Van Cotthem. 

Since 1927, two identical silver loving cup trophies have acknowledged one outstanding young woman and one outstanding young man.  Each trophy is engraved with the names of the 98 previous recipients. Joining them this year are Ava Hersch and Jayden Rojas.

In 1925, outstanding seniors were first recognized with a Circle G, the highest award then given to graduating seniors.  In 2026, for the 101st year, 6 seniors were honored for their all-around excellence in academics, leadership, citizenship, and service:  Emilly Cott, Garrett Bowles, Shayla Sterling, Judd Cruz, Jose Morales, and Alayla Hanssen. Each student received a gold pin, a G enclosed in a circle, a reminder of the legacy binding GHS graduating seniors.

Since 1965, the Principal’s Letters of Commendations have been awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership in a variety of areas. This year, Principal Doug Martin recognized 20 students: Abigail Payne, Meka Villalvazo,

Sa Kyaw (SAW KEY-AWH), Maddox Yeargan, Gabi Thomas, Rans Butrus, Frankie Ficalora, Constantinos Dolias, Alaina Gordon, Marlan Hoodwillis, Helena Campbell, Delaney Rutherig, Panagiota Georggin, Jackson Meyer, Megan Blakeley, Alicia Clark, Izzy Correa, Kennedy Moe, Caitlin Ables, and William Smith.

Closing Remarks

As Principal Doug Martin shared with the graduates, “All of you are, and will continue to be, the finest ambassadors for Grossmont goodwill.  The diploma you are about to receive tells the world that you have met extremely high standards and are ready for the next stage in your life.”

GHS Museum Hours

Saturday, 10-1 June 27th. Contact:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or foothillermuseum.com for more summer hours and reunion information.

Daisy Chain 2026

  1. Nelo Abbassi
  2. Sophia Angarola
  3. Valentina Bueno
  4. Madison Busch
  5. Myles Cata
  6. Carla Chairez
  7. George Chammas
  8. Kitzia Contreras
  9. Anthony Contreras Moreno
  10. Isabella Culver
  11. Norah Dann
  12. Raya Dann
  13. Itzel Diaz
  14. Leo Dolen
  15. Ciarrah Doliente
  16. Katelynn Ewing-Pistelak
  17. Nathan French
  18. Leah Garcia
  19. Jonah Gardner
  20. rudy gomez
  21. Sawyer Hankins
  22. Abigail Hepp
  23. Lucy Hernandez
  24. Tyler Holmes
  25. Leo Karlo
  26. Natalie Kelly
  27. Joshua Le
  28. Evy McCulloch
  29. Alivia Melling
  30. Elli Miller
  31. Toby Mishler
  32. Santiago Monreal
  33. Alexa Morales
  34. Yarely Moran Sanchez
  35. Madi Naputi
  36. Mars Niles
  37. Aakash Price
  38. Melina Raymond
  39. Trevor Rhea
  40. Saraya Roope
  41. Harleigh Sickels
  42. Lya Silva
  43. Elizabeth Simkovsky
  44. Torin Sotelo
  45. Mattias Soto Cardenas
  46. Elsie Strongosky
  47. Logan Struck
  48. Jane Telliard
  49. Addison Thurston
  50. Fernanda Villafana
  51. Jonah Yost
  52. Reece Zeller