The Centralia School District is proud to announce that Centralia Middle School has been selected as the 2025 Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) “Culture Kick-Off Award” recipient — one of only a select group of schools statewide recognized for outstanding school-culture leadership.
AWSL honored Centralia Middle School (CMS) for its intentional, inclusive and student-centered approach to launching the 2025-26 school year.
From the first day of classes through ongoing culture-building efforts, CMS demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering connection, collaboration and belonging, according to a news release from the district.
These efforts have helped build a welcoming environment where students and staff feel supported and engaged right from the start, the release stated.
“Our focus at Centralia Middle School is to ensure every student feels connected on day one,” CMS Principal Lara Gregorich-Bennett said. “This recognition reflects the dedication and teamwork of our staff and students in creating a positive culture where everyone belongs.”
The selection process for this year’s award was more competitive than ever.
AWSL shared that they received an extraordinary number of thoughtful submissions from schools across Washington. After careful review, they expanded the number of submissions from schools across Washington, an exciting sign of the incredible culture-building happening statewide, the release stated.
AWSL planned to visit Centralia Middle School for an in-person presentation of the school’s official recognition letter, certificate and banner. AWSL aims to complete all school visits before winter break. AWSL recently visited Chehalis Middle School, which also won the award.
Additionally, AWSL has invited award recipients to be featured in upcoming AWSP newsletters. Centralia Middle School may have the opportunity to share its story, highlighting the strategies that made the start of the school year successful and the lessons learned in sustaining a strong, student-centered culture, the release stated.
“Centralia School District congratulates Centralia Middle School’s students, staff and leadership team for earning this meaningful statewide recognition and for their continued dedication to building an inclusive, positive school culture,” the news release stated.
