This past summer, Diamond Bar High School Technology Coordinator Randy Thomas tragically passed away. Thomas’s presence has always been felt at DBHS, serving as both the school’s first USB President and first Technology Coordinator, with many having seen him just days before his death. His passing was a shock to both staff and students.
“Well, I was shocked,” DBHS Principal David Hong said. “I found out early on a Sunday morning, and I had just seen him a couple of days before.”
Tributes quickly poured in for Thomas, and a celebration of life was held over the summer to honor him. However, since several staff members were unable to attend the event, many decided to dress up as Star Trek characters on Halloween to pay further tribute to Thomas, as he was a loyal fan of the franchise. The tribute was organized by biology teacher Jazmine Silver and math teacher Margaret Ku.
“Ms. Ku and I were in the same division last year, and we always got our division to do a Halloween costume together,” Silver said. “Now that we’re not in the same division anymore, we were like, ‘let’s invite everyone on campus.’ She had actually thought, ‘What if we dress up as Star Trek because Mr. Thomas loved Star Trek?’”
Organizing the tribute was not an easy task. Both Silver and Ku had sent out several emails to staff members, suggesting that they iron costumes and offer lunch to get the word out. However, even with the amount of promotion, the large staff turnout was still a pleasant surprise.
“There were a lot more staff members that I saw dressing up,” Silver said. “You could just see when people walked into the library, the joy and positivity of being together. When you lose someone, there’s a lot of pain, but when you’re able to bring people together, it kind of helps mend those wounds.”
Besides dressing up as Star Trek for Halloween, a lunch event was also held, as Thomas was known for regularly having lunch with faculty. Additionally, several games were present at the event, organized by Instructional Dean Gabriel Aguilar, as Thomas was an advisor to the esports club.
“On that day for Halloween, I do feel like people also got closure,” Silver said. “I know that when I saw a clock that said Randy with a heart, and when they played that [Star Trek Theme] song, it was really touching.”
As for the impact Thomas had on DBHS, his legacy will be felt at the school for as long as it exists. Being the first USB President at DBHS, Mr. Thomas helped pick both the mascot and the school colors, and this part of his legacy remains forever on campus. Moreover, he was the school’s first Technology Coordinator, helping the school introduce computers and technology in an educational setting.
“He was instrumental in shaping the direction of Diamond Bar High School,” Hong said. “You know, entering the 21st Century with the use of computers in classrooms was very software-driven. I mean, there’s not any corner at Diamond Bar High School that wasn’t touched by Mr. Thomas.”
Besides his impact on the school, his influence on both staff and students is notably evident. Remembered as a kind person who was instrumental to the school, his memory will live on in the minds of many.
“He’s a great, great man,” Hong said. “I know I will never forget Mr. Thomas. I think about him every day, and I think a lot of our staff members do.”