Former Diel students now active faculty

Dr. Ferd Diel left his position as Vice Principal, teacher and coach at Oakland Technical High School in 1951. His new position was that of Principal and math teacher at Mt. Diablo High School. He immediately gained students' and teachers' respect by his understanding but firm position. Seniors have Dr. Diel to thank for the institution of the annual Senior picnic.

During our Principal's many years of service, he has seen many students learn and grow at Mt. Diablo. Dr. Diel has also had the pleasure of welcoming former students as additions to the Diablo faculty.

Among these alumni teachers are Mr. Michael Baum, History teacher; Mr. David Craig, '65, Math & P.E. instructor; Mr. Al Hagerstrand, '59, Gymnastics and Wrestling coach; Mr. Michael Navone, '56, Graphics teacher; Mr. Al Trette, '59, Metal Shop teacher and Track coach; and Mr. Ralph Vallis, '65, History and P.E. instructor.

During Mr. Trette's enrollment at Diablo, 1955 to 1959, bright socks, white pants and sweaters, white buck shoes, D.A. hair cuts and flat tops were in. Also different on campus were the attitudes of the students, Mr. Vallis, class of '65 remembers that "no underclassmen ever dared going on the Senior Lawn." Rules were a bit stricter back then, according to Mr. Craig, '65 graduate, "students would walk in one side of a building and out the other." It was also common to receive a ticket for dropping paper.

Besides the fad and attitude changes, Dr. Diel also witnessed some structural changes here at M.D.H.S. The Science, Homemaking, Administration, Music and Academic Buildings along with the Portables have all been added since Diel's arrival. The teacher's lounge was also rebuilt because of a fire in 1965.

Mr. Jack Smullen, who was a student while Dr. Diel was Vice Principal at Oakland Technical High quoted that "Dr. Diel changed with the times."

When asked how they felt about being interviewed by their former principal, Mr. Baum replied that "I was more excited with anticipation because I had talked with Dr. Diel many other times prior to the actual interview." On the other hand, "I was afraid because it was my first interview out of college and I did not know what to expect" quoted Mr. Trette. Mr. Vallis was also "awe strucken." He said that he felt "like a student talking to my principal."

During Dr. Diel's twenty-three years of service as Diablo's principal he has gained many friendships and much respect. "He understands young people and his door is always open," stated Mr. Smullen. He is also "a great, great supporter and fan of athletics and did much to advance athletics here at Mr. Diablo," Mr. Vallis said.

As a boss, Mr. Craig says that our retiring principal is "easy to work under" and is "aware of problems." Coach Trette summed it up by stating that "Dr. Diel kept his eyes on everything... students and teachers."

Some teachers continued their high school interests. Mr. Navone was head yell leader and Danny Devil while at Diablo. He now heads the Activity '74 class which is in charge of rallies, cheerleading, and school spirit.