Centennial High School (Peoria, Arizona)

Centennial High School (often abbreviated CeHS) is a public secondary school located in Peoria, Arizona, United States, part of the Peoria Unified School District. The school opened its doors in August 1990. It is the district's largest high school (of seven) by enrollment, with approximately 2,100 students.

Academics

The class of 2010 had a 96% graduation rate with 32% going on to attend a 4-year college and 48% going on to attend a 2-year college.

Other academic achievements:^[2]

• 2007–2008: Centennial had 1 National Merit Finalist and 1 National Hispanic Scholar.
• 2008–2009: Centennial had 2 students recognized by the National Merit program as commended students.
• 2009–2010: Centennial had 1 student recognized by the National Merit program as a commended student.
• 2010–2011: Centennial has 2 students named National Merit Semi-finalists, 1 student named National Merit Finalist and 1 student named a National Hispanic Scholar.

Athletics

Centennial is continually excelling in all areas of athletics, currently leading the example for Arizona high schools.  The Centennial varsity football team won the 5A-II Arizona High School football championship in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and has also defeated high other ranking 5A-I teams such as Hamilton.  Other rivalries include those with Scottsdale Chaparral, Chandler High, and Centennial's long-standing district rival, Sunrise Mountain High School.  Centennial has many various types of sports in which people can try out depending on the season. In 2014 Centennial's varsity football team won the D2 championships.The following year, Cehs moved up into D1 football and went on and won D1 championships.

Football

The varsity football team has won three consecutive 5A-II division championships outplaying larger 5A-I teams including Brophy Prep, Pinnacle, and long-standing powerhouse Hamilton.  The freshman and junior varsity teams have continually won division playoffs in 2007 as well as 2008.

Centennial's 39-game winning streak came to an end on Friday, December 4, 2009, in the 5A-II State semifinals.  The Coyotes lost to the Tempe Marcos de Niza Padres, 16-14, in a tightly-contested game at North Canyon High School.

Other Sports

Visual and Performing Arts

The Performing Arts division at CeHS is designed to allow students to explore a variety of visual performing arts.  Many students are involved in creating visual, pleasing artwork in classes such as art, ceramics, media, and photo.

Centennial currently offers classes such as ceramics, art, photography, media, dance, chorus, and band.

In ceramics, students learn the basics of working with clay—everything from hand building to throwing on the wheel.  Art classes allow students to learn the fundamentals of color, form, and imagination. Photography gives students the opportunity to develop their own pictures.  Media Productions, led by Ken Keene, places students in a real working studio.  They are able to produce, direct, write, and perform in a variety of types of productions.  There are other opportunities like Media Internships.  Dance, both beginning, advanced, and performance, led by Kim McFall, are popular classes that offer the opportunity to develop skills in all forms of dance.  Students gain confidence and strength while having fun.  Drama, led by Laura Colletti, gives students the chance to work on stage productions and learn every aspect of producing a stage program.  Choir, led by Cheryl Tucker, offers students the chance to discover talent through the power of the human voice. Band, led by Daniel Stone, gives students the chance to experience the rush of performing music in front of large audience.  Band is offered in four forms: Marching, Jazz, Orchestra, or Concert.

Band Program

The band programs were directed by Mr. David Pietsch for eleven years and Jill Mahoney for the 2011-2013 academic years. The band program is now under the direction of the new director Mr. Daniel Stone and includes the Pride of the Pack Marching Band & Color Guard, Jazz Bands, Orchestra, and Guitar/Piano.  Every other year beginning with 1992, Centennial's marching band has been chosen to perform at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California as an Excelling, Division II high school marching band.  The bands—including marching, jazz, and strings—have performed in a wide variety of competitions at locations including Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, the Disneyland Resort, SeaWorld San Diego, as well as numerous high schools throughout Arizona and California.

Clubs

Many clubs such as: SEA Club (Science & Environmental Awareness), Drama Club, Plan B Improv Club, International Thespian Society, CCC (Christian Club on Campus), DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), FEA (Future Educators of America), NHS (National Honor Society), FCCLA (Future Career and Community Leaders of America), Student Council, Mat Maids, Schools for Schools, Media Club, Photo Society, Yearbook, Key Club, French Club, Norwegian Club, German Club, Culture Club, Breakfast Club, Interact, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), Skills USA, Speech & Debate, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and JCA (Japanese Culture Club) are offered on Centennial's campus.

References

External links

• Centennial High School Alumni website