May 2026 - Hall Of Honor: Staff
April 18th, Grossmont celebrated its 2025 Hall of Honor. Each honoree or family received a commemorative plaque at the event. A few lines from their plaques indicate their meaning to GHS.
2025 Hall of Honorees Group (Photo by Mark Cael Evardone)
Retirees Gary Pennefather, Yvonne Vellone, Sandy LaPlant, Doug Hausman with teacher Phlynn Heubach
7 GHS Staff
Dorothy Cooke Smith Pioneer Educator English Teacher 1927-1967
The 1967 yearbook editors stated, “With gratitude, admiration, and affection, we dedicate this annual to Mrs. Dorothy Smith. Through her years of selfless devotion and dedication, she has shaped the image of Grossmont. To those who have gone and to those who are yet to come, she will remain the symbol of academic achievement and integrity.”
Jean Creelman Pioneer Educator Physical Education 1946-1974
Miss Creelman was Girls PE Department Chairman for more than 20 years, a department that offered an incredible variety of sports: volleyball, tennis, baseball, touch football, archery, dancing, fencing, badminton, shuffleboard, table tennis, and more. Also, she established the girls tennis teams, known as the “Racquettes”, not just at GHS, but in the district as well.
Tom Eklund Physics Teacher 1974-2021
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 and teaching a total of 47 years. 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.
Sandy LaPlant GHS Math Teacher 1970-2010
“My memories of Sandy go back to summer school before 9th grade. She taught algebra for 8th graders in a way that laid a foundation for future math mastery. Sandy wanted everyone to excel and modeled what a math teacher could be: accessible and kind. Sandy is truly the role model for my personal career path. I was so fortunate to be her student and eventually her coworker at Grossmont.”
Sue Emerson GHS Science Teacher 1974-1996
A former student remembers, “In the years from 1977-1982, Sue was an amazing Chemistry and Bio2/Chem2 teacher for our family. She not only taught with incredible knowledge, but added valuable lessons along the way. All three of us went on to receive science degrees in college, including Biology, Zoology, and Marine Biology. I like to think that Sue Emerson is the reason why!”
Joe Gizoni 1962-2003 Beloved Foothiller Staff
Even after retiring after 21 years of serving Foothillers, Joe went every day to the baseball field. He managed the snack bar at home games. One coach recalls that Joe came to the field twice a day: “He did the work of five people…everything except drive the school bus.” In 1996, Grossmont’s baseball field was fittingly named in his honor. For nearly 40 years, Joe and Grossmont High School were nearly inseparable. As his son Charles said, “He bled blue and gold.”
Edward De Coito Beloved Foothiller Staff 1969-2005
After his retirement after 20 years as its custodian, “Little Eddie” continued going to the school. The custodians who supervised Eddie’s volunteer work said he could repair anything: chairs, drapes, lockers, electronics. "He was tireless," his son said. "I remember asking him if maybe he was spending too much time at the school, and he'd say, 'But they need me.' He felt needed, and they loved him."
To read the complete text of their plaques and to see the photos, visit our website at foothillermuseum.com and the Hall of Honor pages or visit the museum to see their complete plaques in person.
Visit the GHS Museum Saturday, 10-1 May 30th or Fridays by appointment: