In the fall, as we turn our thoughts to gratitude, this column celebrates scholarships funded by retirees or alumni in their honor. Here’s a list.

  • Jerry L. Lewis– $ 1,000 Art Scholarship — Sicabi Dillman Fernandez

Jerry L. Lewis taught art at Grossmont High School for 30 years. An artist himself since 2020, Lewis has supported an outstanding art student to promote the arts and reward a senior who exemplifies a commitment to continuing a path in the arts after high school. This year, his widow, Carolyn Lewis, continues his legacy.

Carolyn Jungman, Visual Arts Department chair, said: “Fernandez’s work in the Career Technical Education – Arts Media Entertainment (CTE AME) Pathway was consistent, high quality, and thoughtful in her approach to projects. Fernandez is a stellar photographer who combines her love for photography and digital art in her AP portfolio by drawing imaginary worlds on top of photographs. She was recognized at the CTE Champion of Champions event as AME Champion for 2025-2026.”

  • Honoring George Gross $3,000 Memorial Scholarships — Garrett Bowles and Natalia Cortes

For 20 years, two scholarships have been awarded annually to college-bound Grossmont graduating seniors to honor the legacy of George C. Gross, a beloved teacher and mentor to Foothillers in the 1950s. The recipients “best complement a record of superior scholarship with an active concern for humanity.”  

The dedicated administrators of the scholarships ended their stewardship with these words: “For all he gave us, we will always be grateful. Since its inception in 2007, the George C. Gross Memorial Scholarship – funded by Grossmont Alumni – distributed a total of $58,000 to 26 outstanding students. The final awards of $3,000 each were made in 2026. Our thanks to all donors who made this 20-year program possible.”

  • Jack Mashin Athletic Scholarships — Panagiota Georggin $5,000 and Sa Kyaw $2,500

In 1969, Jack Mashin, a beloved coach at Grossmont from 1923-1960, established the Jack Mashin Perpetual Athletic Scholarship Fund to aid worthy athletes in furthering their education through dedication and perseverance. The recipient must be a dedicated, but not necessarily outstanding, athlete. Four scholarships are awarded every year to district athletes. Each high school in the Grossmont UHS District may nominate one male and one female candidate for the scholarships.

Georggin was described by track and cross-country coach Ross Bartell as: “Having one of the best work ethics and highest commitment levels of any athlete I have coached in 22 years. Georggin earned the respect of all the coaches and athletes in our district because of the great sportsmanship and effort she exhibited during every competition.”

Wrestling coach and English teacher Todd Bell says about Kyaw: “Having worked with him in both an athletic and academic setting, he represents the kind of student-athlete every school hopes to develop. He will bring the same dedication, integrity, and work ethic to any opportunity he pursues.”

Obviously, the legacy of these retirees epitomizes the gratitude and hope for the future that these scholarships represent.

Grossmont High School Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Oct. 24, Nov. 21. Fridays by appointment.  Contact: ghsmuseum@guhsd.net