Centennial School Board honors three staff with 2026 Triple C awards

The Centennial School District Board honored three employees at its May 13 meeting, presenting the district’s Triple C awards to Adrienne Harden, Justin Dal and Pia Watsi (also recorded as Pia Watson).

The award recognizes staff whose work exemplifies caring, commitment and creativity. Chief Communications Officer Christine Andrich opened the presentation, describing the winners as "employees who demonstrate the values of caring, commitment, and/or creativity through their work in our district." The board read the citation into the record and invited nominators and alumni to speak.

Adrienne Harden, a Centennial High School teacher and longtime leader of the Future Business Leaders of America program, was recognized for 25–26 years of service and for founding the Food for Families pantry. Her nominator credited Harden with helping students prepare for postsecondary life and with fostering student-led community service. Alumni praised Harden’s mentorship; one alumnus said Harden’s guidance helped him feel "more prepared from a business acumen perspective" for college and career.

The presentation described Food for Families’ origins as a student FBLA project, its initial seed funding of $30,000 and its growth into a district resource. In the meeting, staff said the pantry "has grown to serve more than 350 families and distribute approximately 300,000 pounds of food each month," while later alumni remarks referenced feeding "17,000 families" and "over 700,000 pounds of food" — the record contains both sets of figures. The meeting also noted the program employs part‑time alumni staff and is preparing to expand into a dedicated facility.

Justin Dal, lead secretary at Palut Elementary, was recognized for eight years of service and for his work on family communications and in the district’s facilities advisory committee. Nominator Kate Garrett described Dal as dependable and a consistent contributor to school operations.

Pia Watsi (recorded elsewhere in the transcript as Pia Watson), the district’s nutrition and wellness coordinator, was honored for relaunching the fresh fruits and vegetables program, expanding culturally relevant menu items, and helping the dining services department earn a 2025 USDA innovation recognition. Dining Services Director Kim Burns said Pia’s efforts included partnerships with local suppliers and educational events such as a "seafood to school" fillet‑and‑cook lesson for middle‑school students.

The board and superintendent praised the recipients for long service and impact on student life. Chair Shields and other directors thanked family members and alumni who attended and encouraged the community to celebrate the honorees.

The board recessed briefly after the recognition segment and moved to other agenda items.

Ending: The district plans photo opportunities and brief remarks after the meeting; staff noted some of the programs recognized (including Food for Families) are preparing for expansion and further community outreach.