As the academic year draws on its period, the seniors at Yorba Linda High School are not the only ones moving on to the next step in life. Dr. Richard Dinh, Yorba Linda High School’s principal, is ready to step into a new role as Director in the Garden Grove Unified School District. This allows him to return to his roots and balance his professional and family commitments. In his farewell email to the Mustang family, Dr. Dinh expresses his gratitude to the students and families of Yorba Linda as his most cherished memories.
Dr. Dinh’s path to becoming the principal of Yorba Linda High School is marked by dedication and resilience. In an interview with The Wrangler, he shared his experience and connections with Yorba Linda High School throughout his career.
“I’ve been the very proud principal of Yorba Linda High School since 2020,” Dr. Dinh (S) says. “From 2017 to 2020, I served as Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction here at YLHS. [Before this,] I was an administrator in Pennsylvania and a History/Language Arts teacher in the Garden Grove Unified School District. I’ve been blessed with diverse experiences, and it has been an honor to serve students and staff in the communities I have been privileged to work with. However, the opportunity to serve as the principal of Yorba Linda High School has been the most deeply rewarding professional experience of my life.”
Dr. Dinh faced numerous challenges during his time as principal. He bravely battled cancer while serving in his role, and this experience has impacted him both personally and professionally. Dr. Dinh states, “The support of my family, friends, and the school community was invaluable. It taught me the importance of empathy, understanding, and the strength of a supportive community. It also reinforced my belief in the importance of balancing work and health, and I became even more committed to fostering a supportive and caring environment at the school.”
He explains, “One of the most touching moments during this time was when the school organized a ‘Hat Day’ to honor my cancer journey. Students and staff wore hats to show solidarity and support. This act of kindness by the YLHS family will always hold a special place in my heart. [Moments] like these remind me of the compassion and care of our Mustang community.”
From the little check-ins he does with students throughout break and lunch to the friendly supervision, Dr. Dinh has created an environment in school where each student is recognized and treasured. With his unusual ability to remember the names of everyone he has met, Dr. Dinh has impacted all students who attended YLHS during his time as principal.
While reflecting on his time at YLHS, Dr. Dinh shared some of his favorite memories, saying, “My favorite memories of YLHS include the energy of the first day of school, filled with excitement and the promise of a new year. Graduation ceremonies are particularly special, as they mark the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of new chapters for our students. However, my favorite memories are getting to interact with students each day. I always found joy in getting to know students by name and seeing them achieve their goals.”
As Dr. Dinh transitions to his new role, he is excited about the opportunities it brings.
“My new position is a Director in the Educational Services Department. I will be working closely with other leaders and schools to support district-wide initiatives. Being a former student and teacher in this community makes my role even more special. I’m most excited about the opportunity to give back and impact education on a broader scale.”
Dr. Dinh also looks forward to spending more time with his family and prioritizing parenthood. His advice to students aspiring to pursue careers in education or leadership is rooted in passion and collaboration: “Stay passionate about serving others, committed to growth, and be collaborative, as these qualities are essential for success in careers in education or leadership.”
For high school students in general, Dr. Dinh offers simple yet useful advice, sharing, “Have fun, work hard, and surround yourself with supportive peers.”
When reflecting upon his time with Dr. Dinh, Mr. Cadra (S) expresses, “Dr. Dinh has been an amazing administrator to work for for the past seven years. He is very much a person who will quickly provide assistance to any teacher or student who needs it. For me personally, I have always appreciated his willingness to act in our segments for Mustang Mix. He will be missed, but I am happy for him and his family.”
As Yorba Linda High School prepares to welcome Dr. Bird Potter as the new principal, the legacy of Dr. Dinh’s leadership will continue to inspire the Mustang families for years to come.
