History of Middle School - Central

Middle School - Central is the oldest of the four L'Anse Creuse middle schools, first opening its doors in the Fall of 1958. A staff of approximately 40 and a student body of over 500 immediately began establishing a quality educational program and some rich traditions under the guidance of Mr. Edward Smith, the building's first principal. Other principals who served in the building were Dr. Robert Lutz, Mr. Bueford Rickman, Mr. Robert MacElliott, Dr. Tom Scullen, Mr. Ron Johnson, Mr. Gary Galatioto, and Dr. Marna Beard. In the fall of 1994, Patricia Rabenburg was named principal.

Middle School - Central enjoyed a rich history of academic and athletic successes during the first 25 years of the building's existence. The professional staff made the change from a junior high structure to the middle school concept at a very early stage. Their efforts were rewarded in 1977 when Middle School - Central served as a demonstration school for the Michigan Middle School Educators (MAMSE) annual convention.

Declining enrollments in the district forced the L'Anse Creuse Board of Education to close Middle School - Central at the end of the school year in 1983. Sadly, this was the 25th anniversary of the building. The Board leased the building to the Catholic Diocese. After a period of seven years, the District reacquired the building and, because of rising enrollments, reopened Middle School - Central in the Fall of 1990. Mrs. Marna Beard and Mr. Gary Galatioto, were named co-principals. During the 1993 - 1994 school year, Middle School - Central was recognized as both a Michigan Exemplary School and a National Blue Ribbon School.