Science Scholarship

When we started planning our 50th Reunion 18 months ago, our Class of 1975 Science Scholarship Fund had just a little over $1,000. With another $1,000 scholarship scheduled for May, that would have left us with nothing to give in 2026 — not exactly a comfortable cushion!

So we set a big, ambitious goal: raise $5,000 to keep the scholarship going strong for the next five years. Thanks to an incredible scholarship fundraiser during the reunion and the amazing generosity of our classmates, we didn’t just reach our goal — we raised $8,000 in just six months! That means the Class of ’75 will continue to be the only class offering an ongoing $1,000 Science Scholarship to a Grossmont senior. Not too shabby for our milestone reunion!

We couldn’t have done it without you. Your support ensures that Grossmont students can continue pursuing their scientific and academic dreams for years to come. Fun fact: Connie and Lynn Baer at the Foothillers Museum often note that our class is one of the most active — staying connected, sharing updates, and giving back through our scholarship program. We’re proud to carry on that legacy!

🎓 Congratulations to Our 2025 GHS Educational Foundation Scholarship Winner! 🎓

We are proud to announce that this year’s GHS Educational Foundation Scholarship has been awarded to an exceptional student who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and service.

Evin McDowell

With a stellar GPA of 4.778 and a class rank of 2 out of 484, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic achievement. Her passion for neuroscience and aspirations to attend UCLA or UC Berkeley reflect her drive to make a lasting impact on society.

A true scholar-athlete and leader, she has served as:

  • President of Interact Club, representing her school at Rotary events

  • Varsity Track and Varsity Volleyball Captain, earning multiple MVP and League Champion titles

  • Captain of the Varsity Flag Football Team’s inaugural season

  • Peer Listening Mentor and Foothiller Ambassador, promoting empathy and campus wellness

She has also been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a Rotary Speech Contest Quarterfinalist, and even published in the Union-Tribune.

Her recommender notes, “She never shies away from challenges—she thrives on them!” and praises her as a role model whose empathy and leadership have improved campus culture.

We are inspired by her achievements and excited to see the contributions she will continue to make in the years ahead. Congratulations once again to our outstanding 2025 scholarship recipient!

Here is a look at our previous winners who represent a diverse range of scientific fields:

2024 - Megan Lyon - Kinesiology

2023 - Sarah Niskey - Nursing

2022 - Howland McNelia - Biology/Pre Med

2021 - Andie Akenson - Commercial Aviation

Andie Akenson is working as a Fleet Management Specialist at Endeavor Air in Minneapolis, Minnesota; a position she started in January 2025. In this role, she utilizes General Electric’s Event Measurement System (GE EMS) to develop analytics for predictive and condition-based maintenance, aiming to enhance fleet reliability and operational efficiency. She integrates data from multiple sources to provide comprehensive insights into aircraft performance and maintenance trends. Earlier in 2025, Andie was part of a University of North Dakota (UND) team that won first place in the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2024 Data Challenge with a project aimed at improving communication between air traffic controllers and pilots using artificial intelligence. As a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Aviation, she contributed her expertise in creating an AI- powered solution that helps controllers identify and analyze pilots’ attitudes during stressful situations in order to better enhance aviation safety. The team’s victory was recognized nationally and their solution inspired discussions about broader applications in the industry.

With the continued generous contributions from our alumni, we have been able to support graduating seniors in pursuing their dreams of scientific exploration and innovation. By donating to our science scholarship, you are not just investing in their education but also in the limitless possibilities that await them in the world of science. Join us in nurturing the next generation of scientists at Grossmont High School!

Building the Next Generation of Scientists

  • As we celebrate reaching $8,000 for our Class of ’75 Science Scholarship, we’re thrilled to keep the program going strong. Even though we’ve surpassed our goal, your support can still make a big difference in helping bright students pursue their scientific dreams. Let’s continue to back the next wave of scientists and build a lasting legacy of opportunity and achievement. Every gift counts — no contribution is too small!

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