By Connie and Lynn Baer

Homecoming has been a tradition at Grossmont High School since 1921, when it was called Alumni Day, the year after the graduation of its first class. Over the past 95 years, homecoming has changed. In the 1920s, the type of the school celebrations varied, but often included an alumni play, a basketball game, a dance, and alumni attending classes of their favorite teachers. In 1930, the yearbook states, at “its annual ‘visiting day’ at Grossmont …. as many ‘old grads’ as can possibly do so return to the familiar haunts and halls of their alma mater to live again, for a while, in memories of the time when they, too, were students here.”

GHS alumni, retired staff, and community members are invited to join us at homecoming, our 96th Anniversary celebration on Friday, Nov. 4.

Tentative Schedule

3–4 p.m.: Visit the 1922 Original School; tours led by superintendent Dr. Tim Glover at 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

4–7 p.m.: Museum open.

4:30 p.m.: JV Football vs. West Hills in Jack Mashin Stadium.

5–6 p.m.: 2016 GHS Office open.

5:30 p.m.: Office Dedication of the following:

• Bill Davis plaque.
• 1920 medallion floor tile.
• Four new display cases.
• 1985 watercolor of GHS.
• Seven new campus benches.
• Carl Quicksall and Pageant plaques in 1937 Old Gym.
• 55 Endowment Founder and 196 Friends tiles.

6 p.m: Campus tours led from GHS Museum.

5:30–7 p.m.: 2015 Hall of Honoree Jim Nichols; Memorial Gathering in the library.

7 p.m.: Varsity Football vs. West Hills in Jack Mashin Stadium.

Homecoming student traditions are part of Grossmont’s culture. The tradition of homecoming themes began in the 1960s. 1966 marked the first time Grossmont celebrated an entire week of homecoming festivities. The first homecoming queen was named in 1947; the first homecoming king in 1974. The announcement of the queen is part of the halftime program; the homecoming king is announced at the homecoming dance.

This year’s ASB class has planned a week of fun centering on the homecoming theme of “Grossmont Palooza: Music Festival.” During a week-long celebration, students and staff will show their creativity through daily dress up contests: Halloween, Rock ‘n’ Rock, Hip Hop/Rap, and Country. On Friday, Foothiller spirit will be on display at a Pep Assembly and later at the varsity football game and in the halftime skits, where the newest homecoming queen will be crowned.

New this year, the ASB has planned Saturday activities with a student carnival from 4–7 p.m., followed by an “Out of the World” themed dance from 7–10 p.m. in the Old Gym, where the homecoming king will be announced. Students are encouraged to glow in the dark with glow sticks and white shirts. Today’s Foothillers certainly know how to have fun!

Please join us to learn more about one of San Diego County’s oldest and most prestigious high schools and to help us celebrate the wonders of Grossmont’s past and present.

Visit the Museum: noon–4p.m. Nov. 2; 4–7 p.m. Homecoming, Nov. 4, or other Wednesdays by appointment. Contact [email protected] or 619-668-6140.

—Connie and Lynn Baer write on behalf of the Grossmont High School Museum.