1983 FUHS graduate Craig Thomas was inducted to the Wall of Fame on Sept. 16.

Dr. Craig Thomas was recognized for his involvement with the sciences of biology, human anatomy, and chemistry.

“I’m totally excited. I think it’s quite an honor. These are really important people who’ve done a lot to the community and it’s nice to come back to high school where it all began,” said Thomas on being inducted.

Thomas has worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office since 1998 and is now the current director for the Division of Public Health Performance Improvement.

He was also recognized for his participation in the performing arts at FUHS.

“It was completely different from school, but I liked it. You know I was somewhat involved in athletics but I wasn’t like star athlete so the performing arts was kinda my thing and it was fun to do plays and music and perform. I loved it, it rounded me out.”

Thomas’s love of science led him to pursue his undergraduate degree in biological science before going into pre-med and the social sciences of sociology and psychology.

Thomas remembers his biology teacher, Mr. Wayne Daniels, as his motivation in school.  “I think he was what really inspired me. He was so approachable in high school, you know someone who you sometimes connect with, a teacher and he just had that amazing ability to connect with a lot of students and it just inspired me to do better and then I learned more and went on from there.”

“So we are trying to help people stay out of trouble and live healthier lives. It’s a very meaningful job,” said Thomas.“I enjoy getting up every morning knowing I am going to do something that is going to make a difference.”

His advice to students is to look for opportunities and to your teachers and family for help.

“You have to find out who you are. It takes a while, I didn’t quite get there until I was in my twenties. Some people never get there, but I think that’s really important, that self-discovery and doing it in a safe and supportive environment, that’s Fullerton. Take advantage of it.”