The Centralia School District honored employees with 20 or more years of service for their commitment to education in Centralia during a Years of Service and Retirement Ceremony last Thursday, June 12.
The longtime employees were each highlighted during speeches by the principals of their respective schools. “Money trees” and bouquets of flowers were presented to them by the Centralia School Board and Superintendent Lisa Grant.
Honorees included:
• Leslie Taggart, 20 years as a bus driver
• Natalie Chambers, 25 years at Fords Prairie Elementary
• Christina Dichoso, 25 years at Centralia High School
• Dan Garry, 25 years at Washington Elementary
• Becky Langan, 25 years at Edison Elementary
• Josue Lowe, 25 years at Edison Elementary
• Michelle Riffe, 25 years as a councilor for Centralia
• Heidi Weaver, 25 years at Fords Prairie Elementary
• Johnna Steenkolk, 25 years at Fords Prairie Elementary
• Marla Witt, 25 years at Edison Elementary
• Marea Borovina, 25 years at Oakview Elementary
• Lynnae Erickson, 35 years at Centralia Middle School
The district also honored retiring employees, including:
• Jan McCartney, from Centralia High School
• Susan Rice, from Centralia High School
• Cindy Grim, from Centralia High School
• Teresa Serl, from Centralia High School
• Jamie Allwine, from the district
• DeLynne Dietz, from Edison Elementary
• Kerri Kite-Pocklington, from Edison Elementary
• Jeannine Canini, from Jefferson Lincoln Elementary
• Coleen Bridges, from Jefferson Lincoln Elementary
• Marea Borovina, from Oakview Elementary
• Linda Betterman, from Oakview Elementary
• Dan Garry, from Washington Elementary
• Cheryl Blum, from food service
“These incredible individuals have invested decades into shaping young minds, supporting their colleagues and strengthening our school community,” the Centralia School District posted on Facebook. “Their commitment is the heart of what makes Centralia a special place to learn and grow.”
