Diamond Bar High School’s Denis R. Paul Aquatics Center, Holmes Stadium and Elfelt Field have plenty of school history behind their names.

All three were named after influential individuals who have greatly impacted the school, who helped make DBHS into what it is now. 

The Holmes Stadium is named after the school’s founder and first principal, Walt Holmes. According to DBHS GLC Kevin Patterson, who taught during Holmes’ time as a principal, he played a large role in the planning of the school, from the facilities to the curriculum and to the activities. 

“[He is] probably one of the most influential people to shape not only the culture of our school, but the structure and personality of our school as well,” Patterson said. “I had the distinct privilege and honor of working for Walt Holmes as a brand new teacher here.”

On May 16, 1986, Holmes passed away after suffering a heart attack, leaving the school devastated. It was his fifth year serving as principal.

“It was very, very impactful… it really impacted our campus,” Patterson said. “It was very difficult towards the end of a school year for a brand new campus.”

DBHS’s aquatic center, which opened on Dec. 11, 2013, is named after retired principal Denis R. Paul. He was the third principal of the school, serving for about 12 years. He was heavily involved with the school campus and its activities.

Prior to being principal, he was an assistant principal and also served as an instructional dean. He also is a former DBHS baseball head coach, having won a CIF title during his time coaching. Paul returned from retirement in 2015 to fill in as DBHS principal before the hiring of Reuben Jones.

“Denis Paul was a very influential principal on our campus for many years,” Patterson said. 

Elfelt Field was named after Carolyn Elfelt, a former Walnut Valley Unified School District board member who served for 12 years. Elfelt’s dedication to the district was special as prior to serving as a board member, she was a parent volunteer and helped with various fundraisers. She has two sons who are graduates of DBHS and was involved in the community club of their elementary school, Castle Rock.