In every great production, there’s always someone behind the scenes quietly weaving magic — someone who doesn’t seek the spotlight, yet without them, the show simply wouldn’t go on.
Today, we celebrate one of those people — a remarkable individual whose retirement marks the end of an era, and the closing of a very meaningful chapter. At LSRCSS, that someone has been Lorna — our beloved costume lead, backstage guru, and creative heart of the LSRCSS’s drama productions for over 23 years.
As Lorna steps into retirement this year, we take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind — not just in the form of costumes and craft, but in the spirit of collaboration, mentorship, and community she fostered with every show.
Crafting More Than Costumes and Stage Decor
From our earliest productions to our most recent shows, Lorna has been the guiding hand behind every costume that hit the stage. For over two decades, she’s been the one transforming vision into reality with fabric, pins, and pure imagination. She didn’t just make costumes — she built characters. She didn’t just dress the stage — she created entire worlds. With an eye for detail and a resourceful spirit, she saw the potential in every piece of donated fabric, every forgotten furniture piece, every scrap of wood or string of lights — and gave them new life. With an eye for detail and a resourceful spirit, she reminded us all that artistry isn’t about having the best materials — it’s about making the most of what you have. Through countless productions, she took on every challenge with grace and creativity, reworking, rebuilding, and sometimes performing miracles with tight timelines and tighter budgets.
The One Who Held It All Together
Though Lorna preferred to work in the background, her impact was felt front and center. While her creations were seen on stage, her presence was most felt in the quieter moments — staying late to do last-minute repairs, transforming a bare stage into a scene straight from the script, mentoring students through their first performance, sewing project or helping them hold a paintbrush with purpose.
She never asked for credit. She just showed up — consistently, compassionately, and wholeheartedly. She became a steady, grounding force — the kind of person who makes a lasting impact not with grand gestures, but with unwavering care and commitment. She modeled generosity, humility, and resilience — the kind of quiet leadership that shapes a culture and builds confidence in everyone lucky enough to have worked alongside her.
A Legacy That Can’t Be Measured
What she leaves behind can’t be packed away with the costumes or stored with the props. Her legacy lives in the students she encouraged, the colleagues she supported, the energy she brought into every room, and the spirit of collaboration and creativity she nurtured year after year. She taught us that real leadership doesn’t need a title — it’s shown in service, in compassion, and in showing up with your full heart.
Generations of students have memories stitched with Lorna’s kindness. She didn’t just support the productions — she supported people.
For those of us who were lucky enough to have worked with her, Lorna wasn’t just “Mama Diaz” who helped bring every production to life, she was the calm in the chaos, the creative genius, the one who made everyone feel like part of something bigger than themselves.
Standing Ovation, Forever
To the unseen pillar behind the scenes: thank you. Thank you for every stitch, every set piece, every smile, and every moment you gave without asking for anything in return.
You’ve left your mark on more than just wardrobes and stages — you’ve left it on people. And for that, we are endlessly grateful.
Wishing you all the joy, rest, and creativity in the next beautiful chapter of your life. Your legacy will always be part of the story.
Check out this incredible tribute video for Lorna — a celebration of her creativity, kindness, and unforgettable impact.
Celebrating Mama Diaz - LINK TO VIDEO