The Grand Return of Centennial High School Alumni

by Marbella Washington-Allen

City Pride Magazine had the privilege of witnessing a truly historic moment—not simply the groundbreaking of a new school, but the homecoming of two of Centennial High School’s most celebrated alumni, returning to the very campus where their own journeys first began.

What unfolded that day was about far more than ceremonial shovels and architectural renderings. It marked the symbolic passing of hope, responsibility, and opportunity from one generation to the next.

The return of Centennial High School alumni—joined by hundreds of fellow graduates dating back to the Class of 1963, current students, educators, coaches, families, elected officials, former and current professional athletes, and community members—captured the spirit of Sam Walter Foss’s timeless poem, The House by the Side of the Road.

The poem reminds us that life’s greatest purpose is not simply to achieve success, but to remain connected to those traveling the same road we once walked. True greatness is measured not by how high we climb, but by how willing we are to reach back and help others rise.

Long before the fame…

Long before the awards…

Long before the worldwide recognition…

They were simply students walking the hallways of Centennial High School.

Today, their return symbolized something far greater than a homecoming.

It represented service.

It represented responsibility.

It represented a commitment to the next generation.

As Scripture teaches,

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2

The groundbreaking ceremony represented far more than the announcement of a new, state-of-the-art $270 million Centennial High School. It symbolized breaking the old ground to reveal a new beginning—not only beneath the foundation of a new campus, but within the hearts, hopes, and future of an entire community.

As the earth was opened to make way for something new, so too was a new chapter opened for the generations who will one day walk these halls.

It served as a powerful reminder that those who have been blessed with success also have the opportunity—and perhaps the responsibility—to help carry the burdens of those who depend on them.

Like the traveler in The House by the Side of the Road, Centealumss alumni returned not merely to celebrate their accomplishments, but to stand beside the road and encourage those who are still making the journey.

Once students.

Now mentors.

Once dreamers.

Now examples.

Dr. Dre’s heartfelt remarks became one of the defining moments of the ceremony. His words left a lasting seal on the day’s depths, reminding everyone that this groundbreaking was about far more than constructing buildings. It was about investing in people, creating opportunities, and ensuring that future generations have every chance to succeed.

“Today isn’t just about a new building; it’s about a promise kept to the city that made me. We aren’t just moving dirt today—we’re investing in the next generation that’s coming straight out of Compton.” — Dr. Dre.

Kendrick Lamar chose a different approach.

He spoke very little, yet his quiet, humble presence communicated just as powerfully. Sometimes silence truly is golden. Without saying much, he demonstrated that leadership does not always require words. Sometimes simply showing up speaks louder than any speech ever could.

The remarks from Micah Ali,, President of the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees completed the day’s message, reinforcing that this project represents far more than the construction of a new campus. It represents an investment in young people, a commitment to educational excellence, and a belief that Compton’s greatest days are still ahead because its students deserve access to the very best educational opportunities and technology.

“Not only do our students need state-of-the-art facilities in which to learn, but they also deserve them. It is our moral imperative to provide them.” — Micah Ali, President, Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees.s

Each approached the moment differently.

One spoke from the heart.

One inspired through quiet humility.

One challenged the community to continue moving forward.

Together, they placed the final seal on a historic day, reminding everyone in attendance that the greatest legacy is not what we achieve for ourselves, but what we inspire others to become.

The groundbreaking did more than turn over soil.

It turned over responsibility—from one generation of Centennial Apaches to the next.

The new Centennial High School will one day stand as a monument of concrete, steel, technology, and innovation. Yet the greatest foundation laid on this historic day was invisible.

It was a foundation of hope.

A foundation of service.

A foundation of humility.

A foundation of responsibility.

It came from two sons of Centennial who returned home—not simply as global icons, but as servants willing to stand by the side of the road and help guide the next generation toward an even brighter future.

As the old ground was broken, a new foundation was revealed—not only for a school, but for a community. Not only for this generation, but for generations yet to come.

Perhaps that is the enduring lesson of The Grand Return.

Success is not measured by how far we travel from where we began, but by our willingness to return, stand by the side of the road, and help someone else begin their journey.

Once students.

Now servants.

Forever Centennial.

Centennial’s journey has truly lived up to the name “A,” a name bestowed upon the school by Aaa ron Wade—former Centennial teacher, coach, superintendent, and member of the Board of Education. The Apache has long symbolized courage, resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering spirit. Through generations of students, educators, coaches, and alums, Centennial has embodied those same qualities.

From its humble beginnings to this historic groundbreaking, the Centennial story has been one of determination, pride, and purpose. Generation after generation has answered the call to lead, to serve, and to inspire. As one generation passes the torch to the next, the legacy of the Apaches continues—not simply in the construction of a new campus, but in the character of those who have walked its halls and those who will one day follow.

The buildings may change.

The ground may be made new.

But the spirit of the Centennial Apaches lives on.

But the spirit of the Centennial Apaches lives on.