Over the years, Diamond Bar High School has upheld a tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.

As new Principal Reuben Jones begins to re-familiarize himself with the school he last worked at in 1999, he has expressed his hope to maintain the school’s legacy.

Jones began his career as a history teacher and an assistant basketball coach, never envisioning at that time that he would one day become a principal.

“I love working with students, I love teaching and learning and coaching, so that was my primary focus at the time. As you do in any job as you grow in the job you start to see other things and if opportunities present themselves then you definitely will pursue them,” Jones said.

Math teacher Kent Neil worked with Jones while he was at DBHS.

He looks optimistically toward Jones beginning his time as principal.

“I’m sure he’s going to be a plus on not only the academic side because he’s really knowledgeable in a lot of different areas in curriculum, but also in athletics. With his enthusiasm and spirit and knowing Diamond Bar I think he’s going to be a really good fit for the school,” Neil said.

Since Jones last worked at DBHS, the school has undergone many changes, from the addition of the pool to the new buildings. He plans on continuing to change the school for the benefit of the student body, whether that be the addition of new equipment or the creation of new classes.

Jones attributes DBHS’ success to the staff and the quality of teaching offered, as well as to the students that take opportunities presented to them, most recently demonstrated to him through the school’s production of “Les Miserables.”

Through working with staff and students, Jones hopes to pinpoint what it is that they pride themselves on and work to continue pushing that forward.

“So many people see Diamond Bar and see national awards and see top AP scores and all these things that we have but I don’t think people see how it’s so great and why it’s so great,” Jones said.

At Walnut High School, Jones worked as the summer school principal for four years.

This position helped to introduce him to and train him for the responsibilities of a full time principal.

“[My previous jobs] helped me take responsibility for the thing that are most important, which are student learning and teaching,” Jones said.

He has also worked as an instructional dean, a GLC, and most recently, an assistant principal at Centennial High School in Corona.

He will be the fifth principal in the 34 year history of DBHS, following Walt Homes, Bob Cokrum, Denis Paul, and Catherine Real.

Although he will not begin his duties as principal until July 1, Jones has already begun visiting Diamond Bar High School and working alongside staff to immerse himself in school life.

“He’s a great communicator,” Neil said. “I think he works really well with students, he’ll work really well with the staff, and he’ll work really well with the parents.”