WhatIDoKnow

I am Mt. Diablo High School. Since my birth in a small room in the Concord Grammar School fifty years ago, I have grown in size and prominence. At birth many thought me weak and believed that I wouldn't last long. But with the aid of many friends who had faith in my future, I gained strength. There were men like Mr. A. W. Maltby who generously donated the land for my home, and Mr. George Wright, my first principal.

Mr. Wright, accompanied by three teachers, led sixty-two students through the four-year course. Naturally, they felt quite proud of me. And why not? Very few high schools in their third year have been accredited by the University of California. Quite good for a three-year-old, don't you think?

I was now beginning to get growing pains. There were principals coming and going every two or three years. Mr. Herbert Kittredge, Mr. Leroy Stevens and Mr. E. Dixon all helped me in my earlier years.

Then in 1910 it happened. Mr. Roger Phelps became my principal. That year I acquired two new rooms. My students could crowd into eight rooms now, instead of the original six.

Oh, I was small all right, but there were always plans being made for my future. People were taking an interest in me now.

When I gained an assembly room and new shops I felt quite proud. In 1917 I felt even prouder. I was put into the capable hands of Miss Bertha Romaine. Miss Romaine knew how I felt about growth and did all she could to hlep me. I knew her because she had been my vice-principal for six years and we had become fast friends. Now we were to become partners.

My auditorium was built in 1918, closely followed by a new gymnasium in 1919. Then another dream came true for my partner and me, a science building with the addition of a cafeteria was opened in January of 1924.

Ours was a fine partnership. Once again I had growing pains. Miss Romaine decided that the sound of hammers was a wonderful tonic. From 1931 - 1941 I felt as though no school would ever be as fine or have the luck I had. At first there were only small, but important changes made, such as the addition of shower rooms, and rest rooms. Then the Commercial and English buildings were added.

Miss Romaine wasn't yet through; land was purchased for my further expansion. Miss Romaine seemed to think of nothing but me. I felt growing pains all the time, and always she was there to help me. Anyone who ever had anything to do with me remembers Miss Romaine with admiration and respect.

In 1948 Miss Romaine retired but still thinking of me she left her ideas for my further growth. More classrooms, shops and a new gym were planned for my future. Miss Romaine was my benefactor and I was sorry to see my partner leave.

When Mr. James Dent took Miss Romaine's place in 1949, he worked hard to carry out her plans for my future. Mr. Dent was then made superintendent of all of us schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified District and Mr. John Cleary became my new principal.

By this time work had begun on my new gymnasium, new classrooms, and new shops. They were all opened one fine day in 1950.

Some say I am getting old. It may be true but I don't feel old. I'm expecting to help guide a new school before long. Mr. Dent and his helpers now have plans underway for a new high school in the Pleasant Hill district.