June 2025 - Graduation
This year 412 seniors in the Class of 2025 became part of an amazing group: over 40,000 Foothiller graduates. For 104 years, Grossmont High School’s students and staff have taken great pride in the traditions surrounding graduation, many which began in its first decade.
Thursday, June 5th, graduation was again held on campus in the Jack Mashin Stadium. Senior Class President Riley Franklin, began by recalling the challenges the class had faced: “As my mom likes to say, congratulations on completing the easiest years of your life….The end of senior year has been a countdown of lasts—our last first day of school, our last football game, and our final moments on the field, court, or stage. Now, as we sit here today, we prepare ourselves to step forward into a future full of firsts.
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.”
Retirees
During the celebration, three retirees were recognized for their service to Grossmont: English teacher LeAnne Bogue Ginn, World Language teacher Mercedes Joyce, and Art teacher Susan Phillips, who between them have devoted 76 years to Grossmont High School.
Daisy Chain
Since 1936, graduating seniors have been led into the ceremony by students carrying the Daisy Chain, an 89-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.
Valedictorian and Salutatorians
During the graduation ceremony, three outstanding seniors were
recognized for their academic achievements: Valedictorian Ashley Beard with a 4.841GPA, who plans to attend UCLA, and two Salutatorians Nia Smaczniak, with a 4.784 GPA who plans to attend SDSU, and Evin McDowell, with a 4.769 GPA, also attending UCLA.
In her Valedictorian speech, Nia reflected that “It has truly been the people who made this place so special, and I have been so lucky as to find my people these last 4 years. To my best friends, those who know who they are, you made the ordinary moments meaningful, and the overwhelming bearable. At the end of the day, the best part of high school was experiencing it all with you. I never thought it would be this hard to walk away from this place and these people, but that’s the beauty of it. I have so much here that is worth missing.
Graduates, what a beautiful chapter this has been. This moment signifies not merely a conclusion, but the commencement of a promising new chapter. And remember, the best is yet to come.
Salutatorian Nia Smaczniak reminded her classmates that “Yes, our futures are important and our journeys are just beginning, but in the midst of new eras, don’t forget to turn around every once in awhile and look back on the life you built here. Because each experience we had during high school shaped our character today, and no matter what, we’re all different than we were on our first day of freshman year. Wherever each of us ends up in another four years, remember to stay true to yourself and if you have any fear or doubt for what lies ahead, your little freshman self is probably rooting for you from the past. Finally, I’d like to leave you all with the words of Mrs. LoPrell, a teacher who truly changes her students' lives, “If you run from the scary of life, you will never feel the fullness.”
Salutatorian Evin McDowell reflected that “At some point in these past four years, life has gotten a little less intimidating. The seniors don't seem so old, and the friends you have don't seem so new. The school that once felt so big suddenly feels so small. And the life that we have lived for the past four years is suddenly a blip when you look at the big picture. You have a new perspective, and your false confidence has become genuine.
I am so excited for this next chapter of our lives, but I'm scared, and that's ok. Sometimes we might feel like we are growing sideways, but it is important to remember that forward comes in different shapes and sizes. After years of complaining about assignments, due dates, and trivial drama, I have no complaints. Thank you so much for all the memories, class of 2025, and don't forget you’re gonna go far.”
Outstanding Seniors
This year, as in years past, 3 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 72st honoree is Maggie Kelly. “As the GUHSD student representative to the GUHSD governing board, Maggie did an exceptional job of being the voice of our students in this district. She advocated for the best interests of not only GHS students, but students district-wide. She demonstrated incredible poise and courage to serve her community. Maggie’s ability to articulate the needs of GHS students had a profound impact on unifying the GHS community. Maggie was also in all 8 musicals and plays during her time at GHS, shining on the stage. Even with all she was doing, she also participated in our dance program, helping produce the homecoming halftime show the past two years. Not only have the halftime shows been a success, but she has increased the popularity and excitement around Homecoming. We are grateful to have had Maggie as a Foothiller.”
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 Addyson Clark and Jordan Ortega.
In 1925, outstanding seniors were first recognized with a Circle G, which was the highest award then given to graduating seniors. In 2025, for the 100th year, 6 seniors were honored for their all-around excellence in academics, leadership, citizenship, and service: Andres Bello, Ashley Beard, Hannah Calimlim, Declan Ewbank, Malia Lebhar, and Gabrielle Wright . 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, Principal Dan Barnes recognized 18 students: Gabriela Barden, Xanaya Carpenter, Lorelei Carrillo, Riley Frankwick, Stella Gardner, Artur Harutyunyan, Kieren Hayden, Brendan Kappel, Na’Khia Lee, Evin McDowell, Dariela Nolasco-Jimenez, Robyn Peters, Ivan Ramirez Pedraza, Jaeden Roy, Briana Samano, Nailah Smith, Diya Sreekumar, and Carlin Usborne
Closing Remarks
As Principal Dan 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 Riley Franklin, before leading the seniors in turning their tassels, told her classmates, “with the iconic words of Elle Woods, I would like to remind you that it is most important to always have faith in yourself, and know that whatever comes next, most of you have already proven that you’re more than capable. Embrace the uncertainties, because life is full of them, and have fun!”
Visit the GHS Museum This Summer
10-1 Saturdays, June 28th and July 19th
Contact:
Upcoming Reunions
Class of 1965 60th Reunion: Save the Weekend of October 3rd
Class of 1975 50th Reunion: September 12th-14th
Class of 1985 40th Reunion: June 21st: Website
Class of 2000 25th and Classes of 1998-2002 Reunions: July 19, 2025: Tickets