This year, 394 seniors in the Class of 2026 became part of an amazing group: nearly 41,000 Foothiller graduates. For 105 years, Grossmont High School’s students and staff have taken great pride in its graduation traditions, many of which began in its first decade. Thursday, June 4, graduation was again held on campus in the Jack Mashin Stadium.
Retirees
During the celebration, four retirees were recognized for their service to Grossmont: Laura Dawson, English teacher and counselor; Mike Smith, social science teacher; Anna Jacobs, Spanish teacher; and Lori Sterling, special education aide.
Daisy Chain
Since 1936, graduating seniors have been led into the ceremony by students carrying the Daisy Chain, a 90-year tradition, created from the 1920s historic ivy that 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 based on their school activities, scholarship, and citizenship; being selected is the highest honor awarded to juniors.
Outstanding Seniors
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 73rd honoree is Anabella Van Cotthem.
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 98 previous recipients. Joining them this year are Ava Hersch and Jayden Rojas.
In 1925, outstanding seniors were first recognized with a Circle G, the highest award then given to graduating seniors. In 2026, for the 101st year, six seniors were honored for their all-around excellence in academics, leadership, citizenship, and service: Emilly Cott, Garrett Bowles, Shayla Sterling, Judd Cruz, Jose Morales, and Alayla Hanssen. Each student received a gold pin, a G enclosed in a circle, a reminder of the legacy of GHS graduating seniors…