By Connie and Lynn Baer | Foothiller Footsteps
As graduation nears, Grossmont High School (GHS) has much to celebrate for the second semester.
Outstanding Teachers
Congratulations to two outstanding teachers who were recognized by both students and peers.
The 2018 Golden Apple Teacher is math teacher and water polo coach Marcy McClaughlin, who was selected by the students.
One student shared, “What makes Mrs. McLaughlin so amazing is her unconditional love for her students. She has a genuine interest in each of her students and cares about making a connection with them.”
GHS Teacher of the Year is Associated Student Body Advisor and social science teacher Jeremy Hersch, chosen by his peers to represent Grossmont; Hersch later was selected as one of two Grossmont Unified High School District (GUHSD) teachers to compete for 2019 San Diego County Teacher of the Year. (This is the second year in a row a GHS teacher has been selected to represent the district.)
One student commented, “I am grateful to have Mr. Hersch as a teacher because he truly cares about his students; his real-world teaching approach is helping me to prepare for life after high school.”
Dave Rice, GHS Gold Star Volunteer
Since 2001, Dave Rice has been a volunteer to the Grossmont High School Athletic Program. Rice is a vital support system to the baseball and football programs.
Since 2001, it’s estimated that he has volunteered over 1,000 hours; he has repaired broken bases and the pitcher’s rubber countless times, as well as sprinklers, the lawn mower, the golf cart, or running a thatching machine. He is an amazing volunteer that represents the high-quality support Grossmont High School receives from our community.
JNROTC Academy Appointments
Congratulations to lifelong friends and Junior Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps (JNROTC) Cadets Nicholas Ghosn, who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy, and Cadet John Flaherty, who will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. During their years at Grossmont, these young men distinguished themselves with their academic and athletic achievements.
“Both gentlemen had remarkable achievements at Grossmont, including success in football, wrestling, CA Boys State, and, of course, academics,” according to Senior Naval Science Instructor, CDR Brent Lapp. “Their achievements culminated in four service academy appointments and three full ROTC scholarships!”
Education Pathway
Senior Paige Telliard won first place at Grossmont High School, first place in our region, and then third place in state at the 2018 Educators Rising California State STEM Competition. She’ll now compete at the national level in Florida in June. The GHS Educational Foundation and Grossmont Community College Foundation are funding 100 percent of her trip.
English for Business
Senior Brenda Flores was one of 20 in San Diego County to participate in University of San Diego’s Boot Camp. After participating in marketing classes and homework that ended with a presentation, Brenda won a ThinkPad laptop and also received a job offer from one of the panel’s “Sharks” as an intern writing applications.
Briareus Castillo, Natan Shafran, Elijah Shtayfman, Taha Yacoby and their company “First Steps for Immigrants” won second place in the Junior Achievement Company Program Regional Competition.
Boys Hills League tennis champions
Head Coach Paul Hedberg shared, “The 2018 Grossmont Boy’s Tennis Team has been the most successful team in recent history by competing in the CIF Open Division Playoffs, winning the Grossmont Hills League season for the third time in the past four years, as well as tournament championships and qualifying five players for the CIF Tournament.”
Boys and Girls Valley League track champions
Congratulations to the boys team for winning the league for the second year in a row! Boys head coach John “Mo” Mozerka thanked “all the student-athletes that have made the 2018 Track and Field season one of the most successful and memorable in school history. Both the Boys and Girls Teams captured Valley League Championships as well as setting numerous school records in various events.”
Photography Students
Three of GHS’s photo students won awards at the Helix Water District Photo Competition. Amanda Dougherty (advanced photo) won Honorable Mention for her piece, Samuel Guzman (beginning photo) won Honorable Mention for his piece, and Lena Roberts (advanced photo) won second place for her piece.
Art Department
The Art Department excelled at the 2018 GUHSD District Art show. They won more than 20 awards across 22 different categories: 11 beginning and 11 advanced. Grossmont received more awards any other school in the district; the students created some truly amazing art.
Grossmont students have amazing opportunities to explore their interests and to develop lifelong personal and academic skills, both within the classroom and through extra-curricular activities.
To discover more about Grossmont’s commitment to excellence, visit foothillermuseum.com or visit the GHS Museum on Wednesday, June 6 or July 11, noon–3:30 p.m. or by appointment. Call 619-668-6140 or email [email protected].
Upcoming reunions
Class of 1968 — Sept. 15.
Contact [email protected] or 619-843-6006, or Jerry Heard at jlheard50@gmailcom or 619-563-5382.
Class of 1973 — July 21
Contact Randy James at [email protected].
Class of 1978 — Oct. 13
Contact Theresa Annear at [email protected] or visit Classmates.com.
Classes of 1978-84 — July 21, 2–6 p.m. at Hooley’s in La Mesa.
Class of 1998 — June 30
Contact Shannon Sweat Miller at [email protected] or [email protected].
Class of 2008 — To be determined
To receive updates, contact Bryce Mayer at [email protected].
— Connie and Lynn Baer write on behalf of the Grossmont High School Museum.
