By Brett Hawkins
Writer Intern
Thousands gathered in various areas at Wilson High School to celebrate the life of recently deceased co-principal Diane Brown last Wednesday. The attendance of the event was massive enough to overflow the auditorium’s maximum capacity. Brown was known by many as a teacher at McKinley, Grant, Twain, Gompers, and Whittier, and as a principal for Harte, Longfellow, Stephens, and Wilson High School. “Mrs. Brown’s enthusiasm echoed through the school when she’d cheer on the students by proclaiming they are the very, very best at Friday’s flag ceremonies,” said longtime Longfellow teacher Mary Drake.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown moved to Long Beach with her family when she was nine years old and attended Minnie Gant Elementary School; Stanford Middle School; Wilson High School; California State University, Long Beach; and the University of La Verne before embarking on her education career.
In remembrance of Brown, the memorial event featured Wilson High School’s Performing Arts Department, featuring a touching performance of Wicked’s “For Good” by the Wilson High Studio Singers. Several friends, co-workers, and family of Brown spoke kindly of the established educator, and the event came to a close with a reception at the Wilson Media Center.
