campus, curriculum developed

Diel's career helps build unique Diablo

Graduating from Fresno High School in 1929 was just one of the many steps taken by Mr. Ferd Diel before finally becoming, for 23 years, the principal of Mt. Diablo High School.

By 1934 Mr. Diel had received an A.B. in teaching at Fresno, an M.S. from the University of California and had begun teaching at Kingsbury High School. At Kingsbury he taught English and American Government. He also coached football, basketball and track.

Teaching Career

Later in 1935 Mr. Diel was transferred to Technical High School in Oakland where he taught history, math, biology, study hall and an all girls class called "Senior problems." Along with these courses he was a football coach, counselor and Work Experience Program Advisor.

He was an assistant research worker in 1945-1946 on Public Schools and in 1947 he became the Dean of boys and vice principal of Technical High School.

MDHS 1951

Transferring from Technical High in 1951 to M.D.H.S., Mr. Diel became principal. Mr. Diel stated on his arrival (at) Diablo that, "Mt. Diablo High School has the foundation for making one of the finest schools anywhere. Because the community is behind the school and so are the students." He said it was his "wish that the students accept as much responsibility in running the school as possible" for he is willing "to give them this responsibility as long as they use it in the right way." Finally, Mr. Diel stated that, "hopefully, in a few years the students will be able to handle their own problems without the aid of the administration."

Finest School

Mr. Diel began to help develop the school into the finest one in the district. He began to build the school up by giving the students something to strive for. He first instituted awards for responsibility, leadership, versatility, sportsmanship, cooperation, loyalty, service, integrity, dependability, participation, public relations and Diablo Spirit. Later came a new G.A.A. trophy for girls and the Romaine and Kramer scholarships.

The building of the Campus Quad took place in 1951 - 1952. The Parents Club at this time constructed a store, called the "Devil's Den", to sell food at football games.

In 1954 Mr. Diel obtained his Ph.D. at the University of California.

Traditions

By 1957, school phone books were regular, and "Moving" magazine was started, however, it was known then as "Reflections." In the previous year Diablo received its first foreign exchange student, Lisetta Gamondi, from Italy. The year 1956-1957 also saw problems for Diablo. There were 700 students out of school with the flu. There was also a threat of double lunch and closed campus. Evidently the students of Diablo didn't heed Dr. Diel's advice, "as long as everyone remembers at all times that he is representing Diablo an open campus can be kept." The campus became closed in 1963.

Every year more and more clubs and organizations were initiated to promote interest in the different subjects. A few of the longer lasting clubs and organizations have been the business club, grappeletts, and foreign language clubs. Bachelor living class became the new title for the coed electronics class.

Student - Faculty Communication

Dr. Diel felt it would be worthwhile to have better communications between the students and faculty, so he started the Student-Faculty Committee in 1967. Unfortunately the Russian Class, industrial arts, aviation, archery club and Senior boys safe driving car club had to close.

As the school grew in interest and population, it became obvious that the Diablo campus would have to expand. First, Dr. Diel saw the campus quad and Senior Lawn completed. Following the beautification of our campus came the Science, Homemaking, Music, and Administration buildings. Fourteen portables were added along with the book store and new teachers lounge.

Diablo is unique

When asked how he viewed his years as principal, Dr. Diel replied that he felt his greatest achievement was "developing the campus of Mt. Diablo High to include the present buildings. In step with the physical development, a highlight was developing the curriculum of our school with faculty and students to include the many subjects now being taught which offer a strong academic program, but also many career-centered courses, as well as programs unique to our school."