In ceremonies earlier this month, 452 seniors in the Class of 2024 became part of an amazing group: more than 40,000 Foothiller graduates.
For 103 years, Grossmont High School’s students and staff have taken great pride in the traditions surrounding graduation, many which began in its first decade.
Graduation was held on campus in the Jack Mashin Stadium.
Senior Class President Shelby Gilliland, began by recalling the challenges the class had faced: “It feels like just yesterday we nervously opened our Chromebooks in 2020, embarking on our freshman year with distanced learning….Let’s celebrate this special day and cherish the journey that brought us here. From a drive-through freshman orientation to an unforgettable Prom at Paradise Point, I can successfully say Foothiller pride is at an all-time high. We made it, Class of 2024 – congratulations.”
At the beginning of the ceremony, Principal Dan Barnes reflected on this historic moment. “Tens of thousands of graduates have crossed our graduation stage before you, and many thousands will follow. You are part of a remarkable tradition, one that probably includes many grandparents and parents here in the audience this morning. As you celebrate your achievements today, make sure that you take special pride in that tradition.”
During the celebration, five retirees were recognized for their service to Grossmont: Special Education Teachers Karen Schreiner and Judy Nager, Social Science teacher Brent Knight, Dance teacher Marta Jiacoletti, and Nurse Mary (Bambi) Arredondo, who between them have devoted 129 years to Grossmont High School.
Since 1936, graduating seniors have been led into the ceremony by students carrying the Daisy Chain, an 88-year tradition, created from the 1920s historic ivy which still grows on campus, now in the lower quad, and white daisies. Guided by Daisy Chain advisors Matt Flisher and Kristen LoPrell, the teaching staff selected 50 outstanding juniors on the basis of their school activities, scholarship, and citizenship; being selected is the highest honor awarded juniors (See names of Daisy Chain students at end of this article).
During the graduation ceremony, three outstanding seniors were recognized for their academic achievements: Valedictorian Grace Dilgard with a 4.844 G.PA who plans to attend The Georgia Institute of Technology, and Salutatorians Ryan Albano 4.837 GPA who will attend Chapman University and Maxwell Short 4.837 GPA who plans to attend UCLA.
In her Valedictorian speech Dilgard reflected, “If my experiences throughout high school and even throughout my life have taught me anything, it is that life is short….Throughout these past four years, we’ve learned a lot more than just what’s in our textbooks. We’ve learned about friendship, resilience, and the importance of staying true to ourselves. We’ve seen that it’s not the easy moments that define us, but how we rise to face challenges and overcome obstacles.…Remember that every experience, big and small, contributes to the tapestry of your life…. I want to leave you with this: Life is short and unpredictable, but it’s also full of endless possibilities. Make the most of every opportunity, and never forget that you have the strength and determination to overcome any obstacle. Congratulations to the Class of 2024, and here’s to a future filled with hope, success, and unforgettable memories.”
Albano reminded his classmates, “As we graduate today, leaving behind our usual list of hardships: the pandemic freshman year, the false fire alarms, the sleepless nights, and the ever-contagious senioritis, I want to leave you with some advice. Form your village, surround yourself with people who reflect how you want to be, and one day you’ll find yourself climbing your way to the top.
Short ended his speech, “I strongly urge each and every one of you to take full advantage of every opportunity that is available in the future. Whether you were first in the class or dead last, whether you were a varsity athlete or just a fan, or whether you are walking in blue or white today, your success will not be determined by rank, grades, or accomplishments. Instead, it will be determined by the strength of your character and the resilience to take the waves of life in stride.”
This year, as in years past, three perpetual graduation trophies were awarded to seniors.
The most prestigious service award given is the Norman Freeman Award, first awarded in 1953 as a memorial to Norman Freeman, ASB President, Class of 1947. The trophy is engraved with the words, “For the Grossmont student who has most strengthened democracy through participation”. This year’s 71st honoree is Faythe Jordan, who is a “selfless leader whose inclusiveness created opportunities for her peers to shine” and who “led with compassion, dedication, and commitment.”
Since 1927, two identical silver loving cup trophies have acknowledged one outstanding young woman and one outstanding young man. Each trophy is engraved with the names of the 97 previous recipients. Joining them this year are Aubrey Wisniewski and Aidan Dilgard.
In 1925, outstanding seniors were first recognized with a Circle G, which was the highest award then given to graduating seniors. In 2024, for the 99el year, 6 seniors were honored for their all-around excellence in academics, leadership, citizenship, and service: Dylan Alagar, Alexandra Banman, Abigail Cott, Kellan Hayden, Benjamin Noble, and Mylie Weston. Each student received a gold pin, a G enclosed in a circle, as a reminder of the legacy binding GHS graduating seniors.
Since 1965, the Principal’s Letters of Commendations have been awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership in a variety of areas. This year, Barnes recognized 18 students: Suhey Arce, Cody Bigley, Molly Blakeley, Elias Burlaza, Abigail Chiu, Sada Cuzick, Kiya Daley, Elizabeth Dilgard, Karmen Fong, Shelby Gilliland, Brandon Hermosillo, Lucy Holenstein, Sydney Luhnow, Megan Lyon, Raylee Serrato, Maxwell Short, Cody White, and Kyle Zimkin.
As Barnes shared with the graduates, “All of you are, and will continue to be, the finest ambassadors for Grossmont goodwill. The diploma you are about to receive tells the world that you have met extremely high standards and are ready for the next stage in your life.”
Ending the ceremony, Senior Class President Shelby Gilliland, before leading the seniors in turning their tassels, told her classmates, “Let’s embrace the challenges ahead with the same spirit and determination that brought us here today. Remember, you are the architects of your own futures, and the world awaits your unique contributions. Congratulations, Class of 2024, and as always, It’s great to be young and a Foothiller!”
Visit the GHS Museum this summer: Hours 10-2 Saturdays, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21; Sunday, Sept. 15. Contact us at [email protected] or (619) 668-6140.
Upcoming Reunions and Museum and Campus Tours (open to all):
Class of 1962 their 80th Birthday Reunion: Oct. 17, Anthony’s Grossmont High School-Class of 1962 Facebook Class of 1964 60th Reunion: Friday, Sept. 20, Catamaran Resort Hotel. Register at Grossmont64.com or email Ged Bulat at [email protected]. Saturday, Sept. 21, meet at the new GHS Museum at 1 p.m. for a campus tour and visit.
Class of 1967 Their 75th Birthdays Reunion: Sept. 15, brunch at the Brigantine and visit to the Grossmont High School Museum. Email – [email protected].
Class of 1974 50th Reunion: Saturday, Aug. 31. Admiral Baker’s Club Contact [email protected].
Class of 1984 40th Reunion: Saturday, July 20, The Handlery Hotel
https://www.reunion-specialists.com/reunion2.php?reunion=961.
Daisy Chain students –
Lucas Abkin
Brooklyn Adamos
Layal Al-Hamdani
Samer Albahsan
Merilyn Allen
Mia Azuela
Gabby Barden
Ashley Beard
Andres Bello
Taylor Bergeleen
Siena Botkin
Sebastian Busby
Hannah Calimlim
Lorelei Carrillo
Addyson Clark
Jasmin Flournoy
Riley Frankwick
Will Gaines
Stella Gardner
Nikolas Gayda
Lianna Gomez
Casey Hermanson
Audrey Herriges
Jacob Holman
Cameron Jackson
Christopher Jacques
Brendan Kappel
Lauryn Kardos
Maggie Kelly
Kelsey Klinger
Sadie Koltak
Malia Lebhar
Tamara Mahmud
Evin McDowell
Jasmine McQueen
Cora Meek
Dalya Mohammed
Jordan Ortega
Allen Partain
Robyn Peters
Kaiden Rathfon
Alex Resico
Diana Robbins
Jaeden Roy
Nia Smaczniak
Nailah Smith
Brian Stevens
Jonathan Warren
Lucas Winkler
Zissi Winkler
