Superintendent-Director Brian Bentley thanks community as he pens farewell to Diman building

This piece was written by Diman Superintendent-Director Brian Bentley and submitted to Fall River Reporter.

“On Sunday, July 12, 2026, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School said “goodbye” to a building that has meant so much to so many. For generations, 1968 to 2026 to be exact, the halls echoed with laughter, learning, celebration, and hope. Within the walls, lifelong friendships were formed, inspiring teachers changed lives, championships were celebrated, milestones were reached, and countless memories became part of our school’s story.

“With a touch of sadness and nostalgia, within the coming months, this beloved building is scheduled to be demolished. We recognize that while the building will no longer stand, the spirit it nurtured can never be torn down. A school is far more than bricks, concrete, and classrooms—it is the people whose lives were shaped here. It is the students who dreamed of their futures, the educators who gave their hearts to every lesson, the families who cheered from the sidelines, and the community that stood beside us through every success and every challenge.

“To our community, thank you. Thank you for believing in our school, supporting our students, volunteering your time, celebrating our accomplishments, and helping create a place where generations felt they belonged. Your unwavering support has been the foundation upon which so many lives have been built.

“While it is difficult to say goodbye to a place filled with so much history, we know that its legacy does not end here. Every memory made within these walls, every lesson learned, every tradition cherished, and every life touched will continue to live on in the hearts of all who passed through its doors.

“As we turn the page to a new chapter, and a new building, we do so with gratitude for the past and hope for the future. We honor the generations who came before us, celebrate the community that made this school extraordinary, and look forward to the memories that will be created in the years ahead.

“Though these walls may fall, the heart of our school will never be demolished. It lives on in every student, every teacher, every family, every alumnus, and every member of this community. To the communities of Fall River, Somerset, Swansea and Westport, thank you for being part of this remarkable journey and for ensuring that the legacy of this school will endure for generations to come.”

Brian S. Bentley, Superintendent-Director