Centennial family engagement night

By Juliana Segura

The Centennialight

On March 10, 2026 Centennial hosted their annual family engagement night where 8th  grade students and their families were invited to see Centennial’s programs, meet Centennial staff, and sign up for athletic programs.

Starting at 5:30, students were welcomed into the building and led into the gymnasium. There, they were introduced to seniors Gianna Hanes and Charli Martinez.

Hanes, student body president, opened the event by telling the young families and students about her involvement at Centennial, and how much the school has made an impact on her.

Martinez, senior class president, spoke next as she explained Centennial’s use of project-based learning, also known as PBL. One project she provided as an example was when she had to demonstrate three sensation and perception concepts that were previously learned in her AP Psychology class.

This provided the perfect segway into the PBL video presentation where the invited guests could listen to current students explain projects that they have worked on in various courses. 

For example, two members of JROTC explained how they organized and volunteered their time to host a Veteran’s Breakfast in the commons. 

After the video, Centennial’s principal Alex Trujillo presented, followed by an introduction of the Bulldog staff. Lastly, a member of the Centennial Foundation gave a short speech about what the organization does and why their efforts matter.

After these introductions to some of Centennial’s community, the guests were invited to meet staff and students who attended the event.

In the gymnasium, all sports teams had a designated table so prospective students could meet current athletes and coaches. This provided a perfect environment to ask questions and get information about sports the 8th graders may be interested in.

In the commons, many of Centennial’s programs set up tables so students can see more of the academic and organizational side of being a Bulldog. There, they met teachers of various classes, as well as students who could share their experiences in the classroom.

Before the event concluded at 7:30, the guests were able to meet many Bulldogs who were eager to invite them to Centennial this coming fall.