A good crowd was on hand Saturday for the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the installation of the stained glass windows that have been moved from the old Trout Gym to the Trout Arena at the new Centralia High School.
Principal Dr. Reid Shipley admitted having doubts when Jan Monken first suggested the project. He thought the window was too big and wouldn’t fit in the new arena, both which ended up not being the case.
“The window, in my opinion and I hope you agree, looks exactly like where it was meant to be coming from the old gym,” Shipley said. “Everything happens for a reason and some things are just meant to be.
Shipley says it’s hard to believe a project like this was completed in under a year, something he gives credit to Monken. He also pointed out this is another successful effort by the Centralia Alumni Association.
“Today is just another example of when our loyal alumni have stepped up and saved an iconic piece of artwork that is rich in history for both Centralia High School and the community.”
Shipley noted the alumni have also been responsible in providing scholarship dollars, an earlier improvement to the cafetorium to allow drama and music programs to be held on campus, and the moving of a CHS sign from the old school’s library to the tennis court area of the new school.
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Lane noted the work of Aaron Frei in completing the removal and cleaning of the window before it was reinstalled by Shores Builders. He says as it turns out, Frei’s grandfather is the one who originally designed the window for the late Arthur Trout.
Mayor Brian Kuder presented a proclamation for the day.
“We hereby proclaim August 17, 2024, to be a celebration of the enduring heritage of Centralia High School and the remarkable stained glass windows that embody the institution’s commitment to excellence,” Kuder said. “May this artwork continue to inspire future generations to pursue greatness with the same dedication and spirit championed by coach Arthur Trout.”
Dr. Shipley also thanked the Pastor of City Hope Church Seth Baltzell for donating the window from the old Trout Gym which the church now owns as part of their purchase of the old Centralia High School campus when introducing him for the final prayer.
After the dedication ceremony, Monken says the project turned out completely as she envisioned.
“It absolutely has turned out how I pictured it,” Monken said. “I want to thank everyone that contributed to the cause.”
Monken says donations ranged from $10 to $10,000.
Still to be completed is lighting to show off the window.
Windows as seen from outside the gym. Photo by Pat Hodges.
