Dear Orphan and Annie Nation,

It is my privilege to welcome you to this Fall issue of Spirit of CHS. Each time we share these stories, I am reminded of what makes Centralia High School so remarkable—not just the achievements of individuals, but the way our entire community rallies behind them.

Inside these pages, you’ll find a remarkable collection of voices. You’ll meet Lundyn Waithe, who juggles jerseys and roles with ease, coaching multiple teams while also keeping our technology humming. You’ll discover the dependability of Bryan Horst, whose quiet leadership keeps our facilities safe, clean, and ready every single day. In the arts, Jami Jacobs has built a stage where every student can belong, reminding us that theater is about much more than the spotlight—it’s about family.

Our nurses, Amy Brink and Berkeley Simmons, embody compassion in different ways: Amy through two decades of care that often extends beyond medicine, and Berkeley through her devotion to the Annex, where students with unique needs find dignity and joy. Speaking of the Annex, Principal Travis Cameron has spent 15 years building bridges there, proving that inclusion and opportunity go hand in hand.

Among our students, the pride runs deep. Senior Luke Mayer captures the heart of CHS through his photography, while junior Sha’Mary “Sha” Maines-May inspires us all with her determination to “keep pushing.” Ryan Marko’s welding program sparks bright futures in the trades, and Devin Meier shows us what it means to lead with positivity, both on the basketball court and in everyday life.

You’ll also hear from Rachel Cavaletto-Lockwood and Audra Davis, who together have reignited the Orphanage spirit section, proving that the power of school pride is alive and contagious. And of course, no telling of Centralia would be complete without Coach Lee Bennett, who carries the weight and the pride of Orphan basketball with humility, passion, and an eye always fixed on tomorrow.

These stories are not separate threads; together, they form a tapestry that reflects the spirit of Centralia. They remind us that excellence comes in many forms—on stage, in the classroom, in a nurse’s office, in the trades, and certainly in Trout Arena on a Friday night.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us. May this issue fill you with the same pride I feel every day in leading this extraordinary school.

With gratitude and joy,
Dr. Chuck Lane
Superintendent, Centralia High School District