Written by Arrie Lasky
Helen Elizabeth Eaton was born on September 1, 2006, to Michele and Justin Koch, her lovely parents. She has two younger brothers, who are twins, Peter and George Koch. She grew up in Seneca, Kansas, with just her and her mom until she was about six or seven when her mom met her now stepdad, Justin (Gus) Koch. Then they welcomed her twin brothers. They lived north of Seneca until about 2019 when they moved to Centralia, where she has been going to school ever since her seventh grade year.
Helen is a member of the Centralia High School graduating class of 2025. Throughout her high school career, Helen has participated in FFA, was a basketball manager her freshman year, and filmed for the football team her sophomore year. FFA is her favorite ongoing activity, and she participated in it all four years of high school.
Known for her positive work ethic, Helen has been working at LifeCare in Seneca, Kansas, since March 2024, but she is PRN (as needed) at East Ridge in Centralia, Kansas. She has also had her CNA for almost 3 years.
Helen’s time at Centralia High School has been filled with many memories since her freshman year. She stated, “My favorite memory is my Junior year in the AG room when Wyatt Mason and I had our chickens that we had at the time on a chicken harness and walked the chicken around the AG room.” If Helen Eaton could revisit a memory from high school, she would choose a moment from sophomore year during seminar, which was the last 30 minutes of the day; it was never a dull moment for what they did. Her overall favorite class in high school would be any of her ag classes, such as AG Mech, animal science, and others like them. Her favorite part of her favorite club, FFA, was meeting all different kinds of people, making connections with one another, and forming new friendships with students from various schools. The most influential teacher or mentor during her time in school was the former agriculture teacher, Mrs. Jenna Akins. She encouraged Helen to push herself to her limits, try new things, helped her with her classes, and was a teacher to whom she could go to rant during the classes they had together.
Helen’s quote to an advice she would have for next year's senior class is, “Embrace it and do everything you can. It will go by fast.”When Helen graduates from Centralia High School, she is going to go back to Highand for their medical assistant class that they offer.
Centralia NHS recently held a food drive for the local food pantry. They asked Centralia Elementary students to bring in boxed foods and after all were collected the NHS students would set up the boxes up as dominos down the main hallway. The elementary class that donated the most boxed foods would win an ice cream party put on by NHS.
This morning everyone got to watch the domino event and the winning class was announced. Congrats to the 5th Grade class on donating the most boxed foods.
Thank you to everyone that donated.
Please use the link to view the video.
https://youtube.com/shorts/9V4NXTPO-xg?feature=share
The Centralia Baseball team and Junior Varsity Softball team are in action today.
The Baseball team travels to Frankfort for a double header that starts at 4:30 pm.
The Junior Varsity Softball team travels to Rock Creek for a double header that starts at 4:30 pm.
Location of Rock Creek Field: 9355 Flush Rd, St. George, KS 66535
Centralia Junior High Track hosts a track meet today in Centralia. Field events start at 2 pm, the 3200 meter run will start at 2:45 pm and all other running events will start at 3:30 pm.
Good Luck Panthers!
The Centralia Varsity & JV Golf teams are in action today in Onaga for a tournament. Tee time is 10:00 am.
Good Luck Panthers!
On Saturday, two students competed at State Forensics in McPherson.
This meet consisted of three preliminary rounds, semifinals (top 12), and finals (top 6).
Morgan Allen competed in Impromptu Speaking and placed 3rd. Parker Koch competed in Extemporaneous Speaking and placed 8th.
Congratulations Morgan and Parker!
It was a rainy track meet on Friday complete with a slight delay prior to the start running events. CHS Track athletes battled through the conditions, and many were able to meet season or personal records. Both of our 4x200 teams were great sports and agreed to run the relay even with the short notice. Not only are our athletes great individually, but they continue to prove how great and supportive of teammates they are to each other.
Our season is winding down, next week we will be in Sabetha. Go Panthers!
Good Luck to Morgan Allen & Parker Koch as they compete at State Forensics today in McPherson.
6th, 7th & 8th Grade enjoyed the Junior High End of the Year Dance!
Another solid day for the golf team! They got third place, shooting their best on the year with a 362!
Bronx Talley placed 10th with an 89!
Gage Wimberly got 6th with an 84!
Blake Broxterman shot his best on the year with a 96!
8th Grade Social Studies Civil War Projects
Written by Mason McClain and Degan Ronnebaum
Meet Charles Timmel, known to everyone as Duke. He’s a high school senior who has faced many challenges, grown a lot, and discovered his passions. Born on October 25, 2006, Duke’s high school journey has been full of sports, friendships, and memorable experiences that he'll carry with him long after graduation. Duke is the second oldest child of Lieshell and Uriah Fairchild, with three siblings: Lyaleah, Uriah, and Josiah.
From an early age, his family, sports, and a determination to succeed have been major parts of his life, shaping who he is today. Throughout high school, Duke has been involved in various sports, including football, wrestling, baseball, basketball, and track. If asked to pick a favorite, Duke would choose basketball. Football was always enjoyable, but the memories he made playing basketball are the most cherished. It’s clear that basketball holds a special place in his heart, even though he loves all sports.
When it comes to his best high school memory, Duke finds it hard to pick just one. There have been countless unforgettable moments, whether on the sports field or just spending time with friends. A key influence in Duke's high school life has been Mr. Landon Wright, a teacher and coach from Marysville. Since elementary school, Mr. Wright has supported Duke through tough times. He’s not just helped with school; he’s been a mentor, teaching life lessons that extend beyond the classroom.
To upcoming seniors, Duke’s advice is: "Have fun and make memories because it goes by faster than you think."He learned this firsthand, especially when he changed schools midway through a year. It was challenging at first, not knowing anyone, but by joining sports, he made new friends and formed a community. Reflecting on his experiences, Duke feels prepared for the future. High school taught him how to juggle responsibilities and make hard choices, skills he knows he’ll need later in life.
If Duke had to describe his high school years in one word, it would be "Exhilarating." This period has been like a rollercoaster ride, with ups and downs that made it unforgettable. From the thrill of participating in sports to the bonds formed with friends, high school is a time he will always cherish.
Looking ahead, Duke plans to attend Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he’s eager to continue growing academically and athletically. Charles "Duke" Timmel III isn't just a high school senior with notable achievements; he’s someone who has approached these years with determination and a strong focus on the future. Everyone is eager to see where his path leads next!
Written by Kyra Niehues
On November 16, 2006, Kinzey Elizabeth Niehues was welcomed into this world by Greg and Beth Niehues. Kinzey has three younger siblings: Kyra, Garrett, and Bailey.
Throughout high school, Kinzey has been involved in many different extracurricular activities. Kinzey has been in NHS for 2 years, while in NHS she was STUCO rep her junior year and president her senior year. She has been in FCCLA for 4 years, where she was president for 1 year and secretary for 2 years. In KAY’s, she was secretary and school service for 2 out of the 4 years she was in KAY’s. Kinzey was also in the leadership group, FBLA, volleyball, basketball, softball, track, vocal, and student council. There are many valuable skills she has learned from these activities, such as the importance of hard work, public speaking skills, and responsibility.
After graduation, Kinzey plans to attend Emporia State University to major in elementary education. Kinzey enjoys working with children and is very passionate about helping them grow and become the best versions of themselves. When asked what teacher had the most influence on her, Kinzey answered Mrs. Lora Whetzal. Kinzey’s advice for next year's seniors is, “Enjoy your last year, and don’t wish the time away because it flies by.” One of her favorite memories from high school is roaming the halls with her friends.
Kinzey has been extremely involved in activities at Centralia High School. Although she will miss high school, she says that she is excited to start the next chapter of her life.
The Centralia Golf team has a meet at the Waterville Community Golf Course hosted by Valley Heights at 1:00 pm
Good Luck Panthers!
The Centralia Track team travels to Marysville this afternoon for a meet starting at 3:00 pm. Running events will start at 4:30 pm with the 4x800m Relay.
Good Luck Panthers!
4th graders attended Ag Day in Seneca today. They learned about dairy, filtering water, erosion, forestry, soil structure, skunks, and got to touch many furs. It was a day well spent learning about agriculture in Nemaha county.
2nd and 3rd grade field trip to Hollenberg Pony Express Station and Alcove Springs. The showers of rain did not stop our adventures.
Written by Tyren Talley
Henry Heideman is a Class of 2025 Centralia Panther who was born on September 9, 2006. Henry is the son of Dean and Kelly and the younger brother of Brett, who is in college. He also has a younger sister named Kendra who is a 7th grader. Over the past four years, he’s had a fun high school career with many sports, good times, and a good mindset on how to go about school.
Henry’s been involved in KAYS, football, basketball, baseball, and track, but out of all the activities he’s partaken in, football is his favorite. When it comes to favorite memories, he looks back on freshman year morning practices with the guys. “Going to morning practice with the boys freshman year and going to the store after every day.”
One of the biggest challenges, he said, he faced was Junior year. He said, “The most challenging part of high school was Junior year when we had homework in every class. I overcame this by doing some of my homework at home, and some before class.”
The teacher who made the biggest impact on him was Mr. Shearer. “He always seems to have a positive attitude.”After graduation, Henry’s planning on attending Manhattan Tech to study Industrial Maintenance Technology. If he could go back and relive one moment of high school, it would be Find A Way Day during his junior year when Kaden Kiefer gave a speech about his bike.
When asked for his advice for next year’s seniors, Henry said, “Enjoy your last year of fun.” He describes his high school experience as relaxed. “School was pretty easy, sports were definitely the more stressful part.”A fun fact about Henry is that he broke his jaw while playing baseball.
As Henry goes off to college, he will think about the good times he had and all the memories that will last a lifetime. Additionally, he will use the skills he learned at Centralia High School like teaching him to work hard and be on time.
Written by Allison Domann
Marissa was born on March 29th of 2007 and was welcomed by her loving parents, Ryan and Amanda Broxterman. Being the oldest of her 4 siblings, Blake, Riley, Kade, and Cole, Marissa had to learn to welcome them with love too. She will say goodbye to Centralia High School this May as an active athlete, a high-achieving student, and an unforgettable classmate.
In her four years of high school, Marissa has been active in FBLA, FCCLA, KAYS, Student Council, Volleyball, Track, Softball, and served as an FCCLA officer. Marissa says her favorite CHS memories were made in Mrs. Schmitz's room her Junior year. Her time is well spent when she's hanging out with friends, listening to Zach Bryan, playing Volleyball, or boating on the lake. Cindy Osterhaus has highly influenced Marissa through her Volleyball career by helping her through recruitment, giving her athletic and academic advice, and most importantly, being the best coach anyone could ask for.
Most of the time, you could find Marissa with a volleyball, on the court, practicing or just talking about her love for the sport. She loves it so much that she plans on attending the University of Saint Mary's to continue her volleyball career. While she's at Saint Mary’s she will get a degree in Business Management to one day become an entrepreneur. Her advice to the younger classmen is to enjoy school and never take it for granted because someday you'll be a month away from graduating.
It goes without saying how incredibly lucky we are to see Marissa grow into the person she wants to be as she continues the next chapter of her life. It is unbelievably hard to say goodbye to this senior, but exciting to see how successful she will become. If you know Marissa, you know her charisma and spunky personality will effortlessly help her with whatever happens next.
The Centralia Baseball & Softball Teams are back in action tonight!
Baseball plays at Blue Valley, the double header starts at 4:30 pm.
Softball plays at home versus Blue Valley, the double header starts at 4:30 pm.
They will be recognizing the softball seniors before the first game.
