By Connie and Lynn Baer

Since its first class graduated in 1921, Grossmont High School alumni have returned home each year to relive and renew their memories of Foothiller life. This year’s Foothillers will be part of a historic celebration of Grossmont’s storied past, present, and future.

One of our oldest alumnus, 101 years “young” Edna Swink Kouns, Class of 1932, recently shared with us some of her memories of life at Grossmont –– eating lunch on the lawn in front of the granite “castle” building; wearing the school uniform of white middy blouse and black tie and black P.E. bloomers; walking home to Lakeside from Grossmont if she missed the bus due to band practice or speech and debate practice. Edna can even still sing the 1920s GHS pep song. Listening to Edna recall student life more than 83 years ago, we were struck by the timelessness of Foothiller life.

On Friday, Oct. 16, Grossmont High School will celebrate its 95th anniversary at Homecoming 2015. A variety of events will celebrate Grossmont’s traditions and the people who have made Grossmont’s history so remarkable.

The planned schedule of activities include:

From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the1922 “Castle”/1937 Old Main, visit the original school, renovated in 2014, and relive your memories as you wander the halls (now with an elevator).

At 3:30 p.m. in the 1970 New Gym, there will be a reception with light refreshments.

At 4 p.m. in the 1970 New Gym, there will be performances by the Red Robe Choir, the Royal Blue Regiment Band and the 2015 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony.

The eight inductees, each of whom have distinguished Grossmont by their accomplishments after high school, are Jean Landis, Class of 1936; Timothy Miller, Class of 1956; Bill Woolman, Class of 1962; Brian Sipe, Class of 1967; “Woody” George Clarke, Class of 1969; Julia Stewart, Class of 1973; and two Grossmont High teachers – Merle Donahue, 1929-1962, and Jim Nichols,1959-1988. Six of the eight inductees will be attending with family and friends as well as the family of the two who have passed.

From 4 to 7 p.m. the Grossmont High School Museum will be open.

At 5:30 p.m., there will be a dedication of the new tiles from the Grossmont High School endowment fund, Foothiller Friends and Founders at the Humanities Building and 1937 Old Gym.

At 6 p.m., there will be campus tours of the historic bronze plaques on campus and the new buildings. Tours meet at the museum.

At 7 p.m., the football game versus Steele Canyon begins at Jack Mashin Stadium.

Please make your plans to be a part of a wonderful day in Grossmont’s history. A campus map is available on the GHS Museum website at foothillermuseum.com, on the day of the event as you walk onto campus, or by mail upon request.

Museum hours are noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 7, 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 16 or by appointment.

––Connie and Lynn Baer write on behalf of the GHS Museum. To the contact the museum, call 619-668-6140, email: [email protected] or visit the website at foothillermuseum.com