By Connie and Lynn Baer
This month we’d like to take a moment and reflect on some of the good news at Grossmont High School (GHS) this school year.
Ryan strong
On May 6, students and faculty rallied around Ryan Wilcox, who has been battling cancer most of his life.
“What an amazing event,” said principal Dan Barnes after the school-wide rally where students dressed in the colors representing Wilcox’s favorite hero — Captain America. Actor Chris Evans, who portrays Captain America in the blockbuster movie series, sent a video encouraging Wilcox in his efforts, which was played for the students at the rally.
“Ryan and his family were overwhelmed by the support of our GHS community,” Barnes said. “A big thank you goes to Jeremy Hersch, Bill Stellin, Amanda Bond, ASB, and all of our students and staff that posted and tweeted their support. It never ceases to amaze me how our students, community, and staff can consistently come to the support of a Foothiller in need.”
For more about this heart-warming event, visit check out these videos:
- Chris Evans’ message to Wilcox — youtu.be/N4M2X0bZaLQ.
- The video for GHS#Ryanstrong that was played at the rally — bit.ly/1qzgobT.
Teachers recognized
Congratulations to two outstanding teachers who were recognized by the students and teachers.
The Golden Apple Teacher, Tom Eklund, was selected by the students.
Eklund is a teacher that every student should have. He loves teaching physics (for more than 40 years) and that love is infused into everything that he does. Students enroll in physics just because of him. He is a true Grossmont treasure.
The GHS Teacher of the Year, Megan Long, was selected by her peers.
Long embodies what it means to be a Grossmont Foothiller. Whether it is teaching history, geography, leadership or PRIDE, Long does what is best for students. Her goal is to help her students be good people and to be ready for life.
Student scholarships
Congratulations to these scholarship recipients:
Mark Jackman received the San Diego East County Ethics in Business Conference Essay Contest $500 Scholarship.
Jazmin Morales and Halee Scott received Grossmont Healthcare District $1500-$3000 College Scholarships
Justice Bradley and Niskey Jacob: San Diego County Ford $1,000 Scholarships.
Recent competitions
Teacher Pat Giovengo’s “G Team 6” took sixth place out of 125 teams in the seven-hour long UCSD computer skills competition in April. The team won $700 for Grossmont, will attend a weeklong summer cyber boot camp, and is planning to enroll in the National Cyber Patriot Competition.
Grossmont High School’s NJROTC Marksmanship Team achieved the highest finish ever in the Area 11 Championship, the first-ever trip to the Western Regional Championships in Utah, and the first-ever Individual Match Champions.
Both Anah Rosas and Khaing Than were individual match champions this season. Cadet Rosas won the Area 11 Qualifier in Phoenix, Arizona, and Cadet Than won the Hollywood Match at Reseda High School.
Athletes
Congratulations to these GHS teams (as of May 20):
- Girls Varsity Tennis — Valley League Champions
- Boys Varsity Water Polo — Hills League Champions
- Boys Varsity Basketball — Hills League Champions
- Girls Varsity Basketball — Valley League Champions and Division IV CIF Champions
Congratulations to these athletes for their individual achievements:
Girls cross-country runner Courtney Clifford broke a school record and dual meet course record for the Grossmont Conference. Also, she was unanimously selected Athlete of the Year for the Grossmont Hills League and was First Team All-CIF for Cross Country.
Fourth-year Varsity Boys Basketball player Tommy Rutherford was a First Team All-CIF San Diego Section, All-Academic Team Captain, and Second Team All State.
Varsity Boys sophomore tennis player Kent Abbott achieved an amazing 24-0 record in the Grossmont Hills League.
Courtney Clifford and Tommy Rutherford are the 2015-16 Grossmont Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award-winners for Grossmont High School!
Foothillers past and present have much to celebrate about this school year. Come and learn more about GHS.
Museum hours: noon to 4 p.m., June 1; 5:30 to 7 p.m., June 24; or by appointment. Call 619-668-6140; email [email protected]; or visit foothillermuseum.com.
—Connie and Lynn Baer write on behalf of the Grossmont High School Museum.
