Cheers echoed down Main Street as Shandell Randall rode on the back of a vintage car at this year’s Homecoming Parade.  

Shandell Randall was the parade’s Grand Marshal, the annual staff member chosen to lead the parade, nominated by staff members and voted on by students. But Shandell Randall herself isn’t on staff — her nomination was a tribute to her late husband, physics teacher Adam Randall, who passed away last May.

“I was so blown away and impressed with our student population to do something so touching and thoughtful,” PE teacher Kiernan Raffo said. “At my little kid’s flag football game, I told the entire Almond parent crew, ‘Look how great our students are. Look what they did.’” 

Raffo started working with Adam Randall in 2009, and quickly clicked with the Randalls. Sitting behind the wheel, Raffo drove Shandell Randall during the parade, helping bring recognition and honor to her close friends.

“It was emotional for me and I was a bit nervous,” Shandell Randall said. “But once I saw everyone cheering and waving, I remembered what a special event Homecoming is.” 

26 years ago, Shandell Randall attended her first LAHS Homecoming Parade — it was her husband’s first year teaching at LAHS, and he was leading the robotics team in the parade. Knowing how important this role was to him, she didn’t want to miss it. 

“I was just so proud of him,” Shandell Randall said. “He had finally fulfilled his dream of becoming a teacher.”

For the next 25 years, Adam Randall continued to shape the school’s community. In addition to robotics, he also taught various levels of physics, from college-prep to AP Physics C. In his AP Physics 1 class, his former students seniors Dylan Brown and Akshay Saproo made great memories.

“Mr. Randall was a really strict teacher,” said Dylan. “But we were still doing just as well as students in the easier classes because of how good a teacher he was.” 

“He was so connected to his students,” said Raffo. “He didn’t care about grades or prestige — he just wanted them to learn.”

To Raffo, Adam Randall’s sincerity and dedication were present even outside of the classroom. Raffo recalled a staff party she threw in 2013, when everyone came dressed in togas. Or was supposed to.

“Nobody walked in with a toga; everyone was too cool,” Raffo said. “But then in comes Adam — best toga I’ve ever seen. He had the crown, he had it all.” 

As Adam Randall’s health declined last spring, he continued to show up for his students as much as he could. 

“He had refused to take his painkillers because it would make it so that he couldn’t come and teach,” Akshay said.

“He valued every single minute with these kids, and his relationship with the kids,” Raffo said. “I could see it on their faces when he passed.” 

After months of fighting, Adam Randall passed away in early May. His physics students found out during class, when science department coordinator Jacob Russo, another one of his close friends, shared some of his favorite memories with Adam Randall. 

“I think he left an unreachable standard as a teacher,” Dylan said. “We were all just lucky to have lived that experience.” 

Dylan was one of the many students who voted for Shandell Randall to be the Grand Marshal.

“Mr. Randall’s impact wasn’t just on students, it was on everyone he met,” Dylan said. “I wanted for him and his family to get some recognition,” 

The recognition Dylan hoped for is exactly what the role provided.

“I felt really honored by the role,” Shandell Randall said. “I felt like it was the perfect way to honor Adam with the people he loved most.” 

The joy Adam Randall brought didn’t leave with him, but instead, remains an integral part of LAHS’ environment. 

“Mr. Randall’s legacy is embedded in all the students and colleagues that he helped develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a lifelong learner,” said Russo. “Becoming more curious and passionate about how the universe works is his gift to us.”