CHS News

Members of the Class of 2025 gathered together on May 15, for the Senior Sunset - a tradition that marks the end of their high school career with a salute to camaraderie.

Best of luck, Class of 2025. We will miss you!

Thursday, May 14th, the BSU, BSAP, Scholars Leadership, and Alpha Achievers held the second annual Centennial High School Sankofa ceremony.

A Sankofa ceremony, also referred to as a Kente Graduation Celebration, is a customary event in the United States, typically observed by African-American graduates from high school or college. The Sankofa ceremony, rich in tradition and meaning, reminds us of the importance of looking back to our roots even as we move forward to new beginnings.

During this ceremony, participants are bestowed with a Kente stole to drape over their graduation gown. The kente stole is a symbol of a collective heritage, resilience, and pride. Each pattern and color represents a unique story, a legacy of strength, and the enduring pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

One of our students, Fan Chen has won the Gold Award in the High School Heritage category of the 2025 CLASS (Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools) 4th Annual National Chinese Poster Design Contest, "I Love the Earth" (我爱地球)!

This is a tremendous achievement, as the contest received over 300 outstanding entries from across the nation. Fan Chen's creative work showcased not only her artistic talent and Chinese language skills but also a meaningful commitment to environmental awareness.

Shoutout to our 2025 Apprenticeship Graduates! Lilly Castro Sorto and Diana Levya Santos. Our students and their families attended a ceremony at Howard Community College on Tuesday, May 13, at 6pm. Students received certificates as well as cords to wear at graduation.

We are incredibly proud of our Centennial senior apprentices for their hard work and dedication to the Apprenticeship Maryland Program this year. Through over 1,000 hours of workplace learning and hands-on training, they have gained invaluable skills and certifications to help launch their future careers!

It goes without saying that these students' success is predicated on the instruction and endless support of Centennial’s staff. Thank you for all that each of you have done over the years to set them up for this success!

Congratulations to our newest Centennial High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductees: (from left to right) Kare Fisher Waddington '95, Jasmine McCree '17, Briana Zolak '98, Lauren Marcotte '20, and Harrison Chaires '09.

A big congratulations to our first two Teams of Distinction in Hall of Fame history: 1978 Boys Cross Country and 1980 Girls Basketball, the first two state championships in school history for the boys and girls. For up-to-date information on the Hall of Fame, including information on how to nominate and individual, please visit and like our Facebook page, Centennial High School Athletics Hall of Fame, or email us at halloffamechs@gmail.com.

Many thanks to Mr. Colin Moe for planning and hosting this special event.

Last month, the National Endowment for the Arts selected Centennial as one of the three filming sites for a Poetry Out Loud promotional video!

Here is the video that was shared at the National Final Competition last week and showcases over a dozen of our CHS students. Kudos to both our National English Honor Society members and Video Production Class who were asked to take part in this project.

A BIG EAGLES CONGRATULATIONS to Mixed Doubles Partners Ariela Dumesh and Adrian Jayaputra, 2A mixed doubles Region Champions!!!

Ariela and Adrian advance to next weekend’s State Tournament at Wilde Lake Tennis Club, 9:00 AM start on 5/23 and 5/24!!!

GOOD LUCK Ariela & Adrian and Coaches Parisi & Tsai!

A BIG EAGLES CONGRATULATIONS to all of our track and field student athletes who are Regional Champs advancing to States next weekend:

• Regional Champs Girls 4X400 relay - Jaqueline James, Jada Franklin, Riley Herdson, Eniya Headspeth
• Boys Shot Put - Brody Buck

Also, another big congratulations to all who placed, qualifying them for States next weekend:

• Girls 4x800 meter relay - Caitlin Fritz, Allison Crumley, Kaylee Beal, Riley Herdson
• Girls 4x200 meter relay - Jada Franklin, Jackie James, Liela Mammel, Eniya Headspeth
• Girls 100 meter runner up - Eniya Headspeth
• Girls 200 meter runner up - Eniya Headspeth
• Girls 1600 meters - Riley Herdson, Kaylee Beal, and Caitlin Fritz
• Girls 800 meter runner up - Riley Herdson

• Boys 4x800 meter relay - Jason Oberly, Tate Hancock, David Herzberger, Zach Herzberger
• Boys 200 meters - Brandon Hill
• Boys 800 meters - Zach Herzberger
• Boys 1600 meters - Jason Oberly, David Herzberger
• Boys Discus runner up - Brody Buck

• May 20 - Last Day of School for Seniors
• May 21 - Class of 2028 Paint Night, 6-8 PM, CHS cafeteria
• May 28 - Graduation, 3 PM at Merriweather ***SCHOOL DISMISSES AT 1:50 PM***
• June 6 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early ***Calendar Change***
  
• June 9 - 13 - Full Days of School ***Calendar Change***
  
• June 16 - 17 Schools Close 3 Hours Early ***Calendar Change***
  
• June 18 - Last Day of School (if no other inclement weather days), 3-hour early dismissal ***Calendar Change***
• June 26 - Make-up final exams
• July 17 - Make-up final exams
• August 5 - Make-up final exams
  
• August 13 - Fall HS sports practices begin
• August 25 - School begins for students

Don’t forget to buy your yearbook!! There are only 37 yearbooks available for purchase. First come first serve.

Go to: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A03346180

If you are planning to move during the summer, please try to submit all requests for records prior to June 1. Due to building repairs in our building this summer, our registrars will have limited access to files.

Attention all 9th - 12th graders interested in becoming a teacher:

Check out the FREE Towson University Summer Scholars Institute!

Info here: http://bit.ly/4cQKl09

CHS sophomore, Lucas Russell is spearheading a local initiative with Honorfold and Scouting America to retire and honor American flags.

Between April 28th, and the end of the school year, Honorfold and Scouting America, will be collecting American flags that are ready for retirement.

What kind of flags can be retired?

We are accepting flags that are worn, torn, faded, discolored, or otherwise unfit for proper display.

What size flags can be retired?

We will accept all flag sizes, from small home flags (2x3ft, 3x5ft) to larger flags used by some schools, businesses, and government buildings (5x8ft, 6x10ft, and beyond) If you are unsure bring it in and we'll make sure its retired with respect.

Where do I drop them off?

There will be a collection box near the front doors, designed to look like an American flag. Simply place any flags in need of retirement into the box.

Don’t have a flag?

If you don’t have a flag yourself but know someone who does, feel free to ask them and bring it in on their behalf. Every flag deserves a respectful retirement.

Why does this matter?

Retiring a flag with dignity is a time honored tradition that shows respect for our country and those we serve and served to protect it. By donating your old worn flags, it helps ensure that every flag is honored the proper way.

All flags must be turned in by the last day of school. All collected flags will be properly and respectfully retired in accordance with U.S. Flag Code and scouting traditions.

Thank you for helping us honor our nation’s flag.

The Class of 2028 is hosting a Paint night Fundraiser on Wednesday May 21st, in the CHS cafeteria. $35 per person and light refreshments will be available for purchase (cash only).

No skill or experience necessary. Enjoy a night out with your friends learning to paint. The professionals from CRE8 will be here to help you!

Secure your spot through OSP today! https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/DA041-1845

HCPSS will offer its free summer meal program weekdays June 23-Aug. 1 (except July 4) from 12:30-2 p.m. at locations across Howard County. Open to all HCPSS students and any children ages 18 and under, there are no applications, enrollment or fees to participate in this program, however children must be present to receive free meals. Free meals also will be provided to all students participating in HCPSS summer programs.

The members of the CHS PTSA nominating committee have been selected:

• Jade Chang, co-chair, contact at: secretary@chsptsa.org

• Laura Hachani , co-chair, contact at: after-promchair@chsptsa.org
• Andre Gao, committee member, contact at: andregao@yahoo.com

The PTSA is actively looking for slates for several open positions for next year. Please consider taking an active role for the 2025-26 school year.

PTSA Bylaws

Make your summer plans! Sign up your children for 2025 Booster Summer Camps now!

View list of camps with dates and times here.

Register at https://www.centennialboostersonline.com/summer-camps

Our collection of Lost and Found items is overflowing!

Please take a minute to check the Lost and Found in the cafeteria for winter coats, sweatshirts, hats and gloves, backpacks, water bottles, lunch boxes, and more! All unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the school year.

We will be hosting make-up final exams on the following days this summer:

• June 26
• July 17
• August 5.
  

If students cannot make any of these scheduled sessions, they may call the school to make other arrangements.

Important reminder: due to building maintenance, we will be located at Burleigh Manor Middle School this summer.

Eagle Classic Golf Tournament

Save the date for Booster’s Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, September 26, at Fairway Hills!

Winter is still with us and we are all out of tissues at school.

We are grateful for the donations you have sent already, and hoping that you can send a few more boxes to the front office again!

We are gearing up for commencement for the Class of 2025 and need year help! If you have a cap and gown (red with blue and white stripe on arms) gathering dust, please donate it to the school. We like to have a few “extras” on had in case of emergency during graduation week.

Donations may be dropped off in the front office at Centennial at any time. Thank you!

The CHS Food Pantry is a great resource for our school community. We have exhausted many of the items and hope that you will continue your generous support to restock the shelves.

At this time, we need personal hygiene items, especially deodorant, shampoo, and toothpaste. We also need cereal, granola bars, rice, pasta, and soup.

Items may be dropped off in Student Services with Ms. DeVore.

Thank you for your support!

As we head into the winter months, families are reminded that in emergency situations (including inclement weather), information will be shared with the community only through the HCPSS website, email and text, Twitter/X and the HCPSS weather hotline. Be sure your Family File is up to date and that you have opted into texts to receive emergency messages.

The HCPSS Career Readiness Advisors (CRAs) are excited for the 2024-2025 school year, and we would love your help!

Last year, CRAs implemented a Monthly Career Cluster Spotlight series across the county. The Monthly Spotlights allowed students to explore a wide scope of careers while connecting those careers to both the HCPSS curriculum and student strengths and interests.

Each month, we spotlight a different career industry/cluster. We provide students with information about career cluster pathways, curricular connections to that pathway, and opportunities for students to engage with professionals in those clusters.

Here is where you come in: we are looking for community members to share your experience, advice, and insight in your professional line of work.

Please fill out the following form if you are interested in donating a bit of your time and wisdom to HCPSS students.

Thank you!

Lifetouch will make graduation photos available to families for purchase. The code is to be used to purchase photos on PhotoDay:

https://my.photoday.com/g/79661Grad25

We know there is a lot of excitement that comes with the end of high school and we hope the information below helps you in your planning. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Carr @ kathryn_carr@hcpss.org with any questions. A Graduation FRQ document has been created to assist with finding the most up-to-date information regarding graduation. This document can be found via Canvas Student Announcements.

Completion of all final exams and full attendance at school from May 13, 2025, to May 20, 2025, is MANDATORY. Seniors must attend both graduation practices and events. Any issues/concerns with attending the graduation practices- please contact Mrs. Carr.

Events for Seniors

• Tuesday, May 13 – All classes will meet; Exam in Period 1
• Wednesday, May 14 – All classes will meet; Exams in Periods 2, 3, 4A
• Thursday, May 15 – Exams in Periods 4B, 5, 6; Rehearsal #1, Auditorium, periods 2-3; Caps and Gowns Distributed
• Friday, May 16 – Senior Breakfast 7:50 – 9:50 AM; Rehearsal #2, Auditorium, 10:00 – 11:20 AM; Tickets Distributed
• Monday, May 19 – Senior Farewell Assembly, Lineup starts at 8:30 AM; Cap and Gown Required
• Tuesday, May 20 – Make-up exams – schedule on your own with teachers
• Wednesday, May 28 – 3:00 PM Graduation Ceremony at Merriweather Post Pavilion; Cap and Gown Required; Seniors line up for graduation on half-hour early (2:30 PM)

* If your child is receiving an award at the Senior Farewell Assembly, you will receive a phone call/email.

If a student experiences an emergency illness on the day of a scheduled graduation practice or required senior activity, the student should email Mrs. Carr at kathryn_carr@hcpss.org.

Any senior who wishes to come in late or leave early, must turn in a signed note to chsabsence@hcpss.org.

We are providing you with a schedule of mandatory practices, exams, and activities in advance so that your student can prearrange work schedules and avoid potential conflicts.

• Graduation Information

Our commencement ceremony will take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Wednesday, May 28, at 3 PM.

Tickets

• All seniors are provided ten (10) tickets to the graduation ceremony.

• Up to 5 additional tickets can be requested using the form: https://forms.gle/4FrkaX5Qpc9Q5JTR7

• Students should complete this form, not parents, as HCPSS emails are required.

• These requests will be honored on a first come, first served basis.

• If more are needed, seniors should ask peers for any tickets they do not need.

• Tickets are distributed at the second graduation rehearsal.

• Tickets will not be distributed to students with outstanding obligations.

Expectations

• Participation in the graduation ceremony is not mandatory. Seniors not intending to participate in the graduation ceremony must have a parent/guardian submit written notification to Dr. Miller and Mrs. Carr.

• Attendance at school is mandatory through May 20, 2025. If you plan to leave early or come late any day, you must have a note from parent/guardian submitted to chsabsence@hcpss.org.

• Graduation deserves the highest priority. All graduation rehearsals are mandatory.

Graduation Attire

• Caps and Gowns are required for the commencement ceremony.

• Students may only wear graduation stoles or cords that are distributed through an HCPSS or Centennial high school club or organization.

• Seniors are asked not to wear sneakers, tennis shoes, flip-flops, boat shoes, or other similar types of casual footwear. Students will want to consider low-heeled shoes due to the distance they process and the steep stairs they navigate.

Video and Photographs

• Commencement ceremonies are public events and may be photographed or videotaped. Lifetouch is the official event photographer.

• 2025 ceremonies will be livestreamed online and archived on the HCPSS youtube.com channel.

Other Information

• Physical diplomas are not awarded on stage.

• Diplomas/certificates and final report cards will be distributed immediately following the ceremony.

• Students who do not pick up these items will have the opportunity to collect them from school during normal school hours.

• Preferred name at graduation. The name attached to you on Synergy will be read at graduation. Should you wish to have an alternate name (nicknames, for example), a parent/guardian should email Mrs. Carr, kathryn_carr@hcpss.org with the request by May 9th. A confirmation will be sent within 24 hours.

• Parking will be managed by Merriweather Post Pavilion. Parking information will be posted on the HCPSS website closer to the date of the event. If transporting a disabled guest, please arrive early to ensure they are seated prior to the ceremony.

Click here to see this information in calendar format

Graduate To-Do List

• Naviance Exit Survey – Complete April 30th, in Senior Meeting

• Return Chromebook – as soon as no longer needed

• Complete Additional Ticket Request form (if needed) – May 9

• Have parent email preferred name at graduation (if needed) – May 9

• Clear all obligations - ASAP; tickets will not be given until cleared

• Arrange schedules to attend all events

• Plan attire for events.

In addition to graduation caps and gowns, Jostens also offers a range for products including graduation announcements, class rings, jewelry, and more. Check out the Mascot Shop for great keepsakes.

All families must update their emergency contact information annually. We’d like Centennial to be the first high school to have 100% of the Family File information to be fully updated, so visit HCPSS Connect today and click submit on the final screen! Read more.

Keep current on news and events throughout the school year by checking the CHS website: https://chs.hcpss.org. We have added an A to Z Reference Guide to the website as your one-stop information finder: attendance policies, parking permit applications, food and nutrition services, student technology support, and much more.

Eagle's Soar tutoring will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays immediately after school in the Media Center from 2:35-3:05 PM for the entire school year. All content areas will be represented with teaching faculty, and honor society students will be supporting as well in many of the content areas. Please make arrangements for your child to attend, as this is a great resource to help them be successful this year. This is a GREAT place to get extra math help if your child is struggling. Unfortunately, transportation is not provided at this time.

EXTRA HELP:

• Eagle's Soar Tutoring – Every Tuesday and Thursday 2:35-3:05 PM in the Media Center (Starts September 17th)
• Math Tutoring – Monday through Thursday after school 2:35-3:05 PM in Room 508 (starts September 19th)
• Eagle Time – Every Wednesday 9:25-9:55 PM (they sign up on the CHS website with the teacher they need help with)

Parking passes have now been issued to Seniors and Juniors. It is important for all students parking on campus to make sure that their parking permit hang tags are visible. Also, please remember that students park in the white-lined spaces.

Still need a permit? Permit applications are on the CHS website.

Led by the Maryland Center for School Safety (MDCSS) within the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Safe Schools Maryland is an anonymous tip reporting system that allows students, parents, and community members to easily report anonymous safety concerns anywhere in Maryland. Tips received are routed to local and state education, public safety, heath, and/or social services support personnel for follow-up.

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Maryland Safe Schools

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Maryland Safe Schools

After school pizza sales begin next week! Students staying after school can purchase a slice of cheese pizza ($3 per slice, cash only) before heading to their club meeting, extra-curricular program, study session, or athletic practice/game.

Sales will take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and will be fundraisers for the Dance Program, Alpha Achievers, and Science Olympiad. Buy your slice by the gym. All sales are first come, first served.

You and your family can join CHS PTSA anytime! Join now or add your child to your membership.

Help us meet our membership goals before the end of the year. A PTSA membership can make a thoughtful gift for a family member or anyone in the Centennial community.

Visit our online store to become a member now

Support our CHS Eagles by becoming a member of the CHS Boosters Club. Our parent-run volunteer organization raises funds through membership donations and fundraising activities to support CHS student extra-curricular activities. From school sports teams to more than 80 clubs and organizations, including our award winning "It's Academic" team and the CHS "Magic Club" – the Boosters supports them all!

The Howard County Public School System does not provide money for team uniforms, equipment and other fees needed to run student programs. To help parents avoid membership and other costs, the CHS Boosters shares its fundraising efforts across all sports and activities to help our students enjoy a healthy, rewarding high school experience.

Membership is the Booster’s biggest annual fundraiser, and we need your help to support our students. If you have not already done so, please join today! The CHS Boosters is a 501(c)(3) organization so all donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Tax ID # 52-1437160

1. Regular Season Tickets are $5.00 and are only available on the App at GoFan.co.
2. Backpacks are PROHIBITED inside the Stadium.
3. Spectators are to adhere to ALL HCPSS Policies & CHS Procedures in the Student Code of Conduct.
4. No outside food permitted in the Stadium.
5. ALL Students in Grades K thru 8 MUST EACH be accompanied into the Stadium, seated throughout the entire event, being supervised by their parent or guardian.
6. No admittance after the 3rd quarter.
7. Once you leave the Stadium, you may not return.
8. Noise makers are prohibited inside the Stadium.
9. Cheer loudly for your team, not against the opponent, their fans, their band, their cheerleaders or the officials.
10. Students arrange for a ride during the 3rd quarter and notify your ride to pick them up immediately after the game.

The HCPSS Partnerships 2023-2024 Annual Snapshot has just been released. The snapshot includes a link to school system partners including each school’s partners, as well as system wide, curricular, and program office partnerships. The snapshot highlights how partners play a vital role in encouraging students to reach their full potential.

Please remember that all families are required by Policy 9000 to notify HCPSS if they move to a new home address. Current residency documentation must be updated each time residency changes.

On the Regular Bell Schedule:

• AM ARL bus departs at 7:50 AM and returns to CHS at 9:35 AM
• PM ARL bus departs on A DAYS (M, T, TH, F) at 12:45 PM and returns at 2:30 PM
• PM ARL bus departs on B DAYS (M, T, TH, F) at 11:15 AM and returns at 2:30 PM

On the Eagle Time Schedule – Wednesdays:

• AM ARL bus departs at 7:50 AM and returns to CHS at 9:35 AM
• PM ARL bus departs on A DAYS at 12:55 PM and returns at 2:30 PM
• PM ARL bus departs on B DAYS at 11:20 AM and returns at 2:30 PM

Each month, the Career Readiness Advisors spotlight a career industry/cluster. We provide students with information about career cluster pathways, curricular connections to that pathway, and opportunities for students to learn from industry professionals in those clusters.

We are ALWAYS looking for speakers to participate in our monthly virtual panel discussions, and/or to engage with our students as an in-person speaker.

Please click on the following link to share your information:

HCPSS Career Related Speaker Interest Form

Interested in making movies?

Check out this great summer camp opportunity Monday thru Thursday, 8:30 am - 12 PM the weeks of June 23, July 7, and July 14, at Clarksville Elementary School. Open to students ages 9 - 17.

Girls Scouts of Central Maryland is hosting financial literacy sessions for Latino families.

Sessions at the Howard County Public Library Central Branch:

• May 19, 5 PM - Budgeting
• May 27, 6 PM - Bank Accounts

Sessions at the Howard County Public Library Elkridge Branch:

• May 20, 5:30 PM - Budgeting
• May 29, 7 PM - Bank Accounts

Both in-person and live, virtual, eight-hour college prep classes are being offered in partnership with Atholton, Centennial, Hammond, Howard, Marriotts Ridge, Mt. Hebron, Reservoir, and Wilde Lake high schools and are open to students from all high schools.

CHS students can register for ANY Answer Class at ANY location or online – and a percentage of tuition will be donated to CHS PTSA! School year classes are being regularly added – check here often!

CHS PTSA teams with HC DrugFree to help spread the word about keeping drugs out of Howard County classrooms and communities.

Be Prepared for Senior Week!

Senior Week should be a celebratory, memorable time with friends—not a risk! With the right planning, it can be a safe and fun experience for everyone. Check out our recorded webinar for graduating high school seniors and their parents! The tips shared by Howard County teens, the Ocean City Police, and the Ocean City Beach Patrol are appropriate for all families or anyone visiting Ocean City, MD this summer or throughout the year.

Note: This webinar was recorded in 2024, so please be aware that some policies/laws may have changed. Stay safe!

Teen Advisory Council

Teen Advisory Council Meeting – May 19

HC DrugFree invites all Howard County students in grades 8-12 to attend our Monday, May 19 Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Meeting from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. Students: Register to receive the May 19 meeting link or learn more about TAC.

We Need Your Support!!!

“It isn’t the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives.”

Your support allows us to continue to provide our resources and programs to the community. To make your tax-deductible donation, donate online at hcdrugfree.org/donate or mail a check to:

HC DrugFree

5305 Village Center Drive

Suite 206

Columbia, MD 21044

Resources

DEA's Drugs of Abuse Resource Guide:

Education plays a critical role in preventing substance use and misuse. The 2024 DEA Resource Guide is designed to be a reliable resource on the most commonly used and misused drugs in the US and provides important information about the harms and consequences of drug use by describing a drug’s effects on the body and mind, overdose potential, origin, legal status, and other key facts. Learn more

Additional Resources

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Marylanders who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis should call or text 988. Learn more at 988.maryland.gov. Maryland veterans and their loved ones can call 988 and press 1 to transfer to the Veterans Crisis Line. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for LGBTQIA+ support.

Additional Resources

For more information, contact:

HC DrugFree

5305 Village Center Drive, Suite 206

Wilde Lake Village Center

Columbia, MD 21044

Admin@hcdrugfree.org

www.hcdrugfree.org

• Centennial High School’s website is a great source of information at https://chs.hcpss.org.
• On Twitter @hcpss_CHS and Instagram @CentennialHS.
• Read the Wingspan, CHS student newspaper
• CHS PTSA https://www.chs-ptsa.org/and CHS Boosters https://www.centennialboostersonline.com/.
• CHS Friends of Music http://www.centennialmusic.org/
• Register to receive school system updates and alerts at https://www.hcpss.org/hcpss-news/, click on Subscribe and select Centennial High School.