Community Corner
Dublin High To Hold First Tree Lighting In Memory Of Late Students, Staff
More than 3,000 lights will glimmer in Dublin High School's 70-foot redwood tree in memory of students, staff and family who recently died.
DUBLIN, CA — Dublin High School on Wednesday will host the first holiday tree lighting ceremony in the school's 53-year history.
More than 3,000 red and blue lights will be strong across the limbs of the school's iconic 70-foot redwood tree in honor of students, school leaders and loved ones who recently died. The tree lighting will also celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the coming new year.
"We just thought it was necessary to do something to not only bring the school together, but to bring the community together," said Michael D'Ambrosio, Dublin High teacher and event coordinator.
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The school district has seen more than its fair share of tragedy in recent years.
Dublin Unified School District Trustee Catherine Kuo was fatally struck by a car in March while volunteering at a food distribution event in front of Fallon Middle School. Kuo was the mother of two students in the district. Her husband, William Kuo, went on to fill her board seat and continue his wife's legacy.
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Dublin High's head custodian, Derek Rosas, died in February and was remembered as "the glue" of the school.
And on Christmas night in 2019, three Dublin High students were killed in a rollover crash in Pleasanton. Javier Ramirez and twin brothers Mark and Michael Urista were honored days later at a candlelight vigil at the school. The boys would have been seniors.
Dublin students may submit the names of any loved ones they have lost, including relatives or others who may not have had direct ties to Dublin schools. Visit the Dublin High Associated Student Body Instagram (@dublead) beginning Monday night to submit a name to be read aloud during the ceremony.
D'Ambrosio said the student leadership program originally came up with the idea last year after the death of Ramirez and the Urista twins but postponed the event to this year because of the pandemic.
"No one really got to process" all that happened, he said.
D'Ambrosio hoped to see the tree lighting become an annual tradition to "recognize the diversity of the district" and honor "Gaels we've lost."
Visit the tree lighting 5 p.m. Wednesday at Dublin High School, 8151 Village Parkway.
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