Presenting unique opportunities for Foothillers to meet the changing times

ff nhs advisor kathryn beckhard and president meya meka villalvazo

Over the past 104 years, the Grossmont High School staff has responded to the changing times by offering unique opportunities for Foothillers.

Grossmont Ambassadors

Social Science teacher Bob Talley shared that “We are the only school in the district to have such a program. In the Poway Unified School District, each high school has the program. When I was hired at Grossmont High School two years ago, I knew it was a really positive thing I could bring to GHS that would have an instant impact in the community.

untitled design 1 — (Pictured) Alisha Carter, Addyson Clark, Alexis Holmes and Brooklyn Adamo. This was being part of Kindness Week Station Students at Fletcher Hills writing notes to other students or their families. (Courtesy photo)

“Our goal is to take some of our exemplary Foothillers and connect them with elementary school kids around the community. We currently go to Fletcher Hills, Northmont, and Murray Manor one day a week each.

“The goal is to inspire and mentor the elementary school kids by having them interact with some of our most positive high school seniors. Elementary school students are then motivated to come to school and try their best because they have examples to look up to.

“Our seniors get a chance to see the massive impact they can have on a younger generation. When our ambassadors show up on elementary school campuses, they are absolute “Rock Stars” and really see the difference they can make in a young kid’s life. The Ambassadors Program is really a “win-win” situation for both the younger kids and our seniors.

“After an extensive application and interview process, we selected 35 ambassadors from a pool of 70 interested kids.”

Student Ambassador Hannah Calimlin gave her perspective on the program. “I wanted to be a GHS Ambassador because I wanted to be a part of the new program because I enjoy being around kids and that is what this program is all about.

“The impact the other seniors and I have on the elementary schools is that many kids look forward to playing with someone at recess every week. We bring enjoyment into any game or conversation they would like to have during their recess. The elementary kids love to interact with us through football, wall ball, four square, chatting, or playing on the playground. The kids love every second of it as do we.

I usually like to pick Murray Manor to visit because I went there for elementary school and a lot of my neighbors go to that school.” (Lynn and Connie attended Murray Manor and still live in that area.)

GHS’s First National Honor Society

According to advisor Kathryn Beckhard, “The National Honor Society had its induction Ceremony on March 27 in the GHS Black Box. This is Grossmont High School’s first ever chapter of NHS. NHS is a service and academics based national organization that requires students to maintain a high GPA and complete community service hours.

“NHS is centered around the four pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. During our induction ceremony, each pillar was represented by four outer candles which were centered around one central, lit candle. At the beginning of the ceremony, the center candle was lit, and after each officer spoke about one of the pillars, they used the center candle to light one of the four pillar candles.

“Students in NHS are expected to maintain a high GPA (3.0+ cumulative unweighted), complete volunteer service hours, attend meetings, and demonstrate exemplary character through being a role model for their peers. Each semester, students in our chapter of NHS will need to complete 15 volunteer service hours as well as maintain a GPA over a 3.0 to be eligible for membership. This year, 33 students were inducted.

“Students who join NHS are eligible for NHS exclusive scholarships and can gain leadership experience through volunteering or holding an officer position. It is also a great thing to have on a college app or resume as this is a nationally known and respected organization.

“Last semester, Meka Villalvazo, our student president, was looking for a teacher to help start a chapter here. Meka is really “the shining light” of this program. At the time, it didn’t even occur to me that there was really no recognition or honors for our top achieving students who are also active community members. Because of this, I wanted to help create a program that would achieve that goal. I was also a part of NHS when I was in high school and remembered how impactful this was on me at the time. I was super excited to help Meka get this chapter started; we both worked hard to make this happen and create a successful chapter.”

Grossmont’s NHS President Meka Villalvazo shared, “I started the National Honor Society at Grossmont High School because I saw an opportunity to create a community where high-achieving students could come together to make a meaningful impact. Recognizing the absence of an NHS chapter, I took the initiative to establish one, knowing it would provide students with a structured way to engage in service projects, develop leadership skills, and be recognized for their academic achievements. I wanted to foster a culture of responsibility and dedication while giving students opportunities to strengthen their college applications. To make this happen, I navigated the complex process of securing funding, gaining administrative approval, organizing paperwork, and recruiting members. My goal was to leave a lasting impact on my school by building a program that would continue to grow and benefit students for years to come.”

Both of these programs definitely reflect the values of Grossmont High School over its long history by supporting students who achieve the goals reflected in a campus bench adjacent to the high school office which states: “A Grossmont Tradition Achievement, Honor, Service”.

2025 GHS Inaugural National Honor Society

10th Graders:

Ella Altbaum
Abriane Buan
Valentina Bueno
Norah Dann
Raya Dann
Fiona Edwards

Abby Hepp
Lucy Hernandez
Dayanni Mendoza Marroquin
Toby Mishler
Melina Raymond
Addison Thurston

11th Graders:

Rita Antoun
Panagiota Georggin
Leya Haddad
Ava Hersch
Sicabi Dillman Fernandez
Zoe Hughes
Makayla Kroening
Jose Morales

McKinley Morrow
Sally Mohammed
Azba Rahama
Caleb Ramirez Frias
Angie Rodriguez
Shayla Sterling
Anabella Van Cotthem
Meka Villalvazo

12th Graders:

Dania Al Ameen
Layal Al-Hamdani
Sebastian Busby
Wren McHugh
Dalya Mohammed

Both of these new campus programs reflect the values of Grossmont High School.

GHS Museum Spring Hours

10-1: Saturday, April 19, May 31, June 28