Photo courtesy of ABC 10 News, an ECM news partner
East County News Service
June 9, 2026 (El Cajon) – Students at Grossmont High School have a towering reminder that when it comes to achieving their ambitions, they can reach for the stars.
A new mural honors three alumni who became astronauts: Bill Anders, Ellen Ochoa and Rick Sturckow. The mural’s backdrop features the iconic Apollo 8 “Earthrise” photo taken by Anders.
Inside the Grossmont High Museum, visitors can view displays showcasing the remarkable achievements of these former Foothillers students and more.
Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman in space aboard the space shuttle Discovery and served as director of the Johnson Space Center. Anders flew to the moon aboard Apollo 8. Sturckow helped build the International Space Station.
“This started as a retirement project,” said Connie Baer, co-director of the museum, ECM news partner 10 News reported. She and her sister, Lynn Baer, both retired English teachers, launched the museum in 2007.
You can learn more about the museum at https://www.foothillermuseum.com/