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Three Inducted into Centennial Hall of Fame

Three members of the Centennial community were inducted into the Centennial School District Hall of Fame on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Infinite Campus in Blaine, Minnesota. The district’s Hall of Fame recognizes its alumni and members of the community for their professional accomplishments and commitment to youth and the Centennial communities. The event was hosted by Charlie Kratsch, CEO of Infinite Campus, a 1985 graduate of Centennial High School and is a member of the Centennial Hall of Fame, Class of 2013.

“The Hall of Fame Class of 2023 represents more than 100 years of service and commitment to students, families, and our Centennial communities,” said Jeff Holmberg, superintendent of the Centennial School district. “The three inductees represent Centennial pride, a commitment to service and the Hall of Fame induction celebrates the ways these three individuals give back.”

The Class of 2023

Erik Aus, for distinguished service: Physical education teacher and coach at Centennial High School for 32 years, from 1987-2019. Aus is honored for his attributes that have had a long-lasting impact on colleagues and students in the classroom and on the ice, for his dedication to build a first-class Centennial Boys Hockey program from the ground up that was and is still well respected in the state of Minnesota, and for always being Centennial’s biggest fan. Aus’ Centennial coaching career record of 393 wins, 184 losses, and 27 ties over a 24-year hockey coaching span led to eight conference championships and the 2004 Boys AA State Hockey Championship. Aus is currently an assistant coach of adapted sports, bringing home the state championship title in floor hockey in 2015 and 2016 and softball in 2015. Aus himself is a champion, named the 2004 Section 3AA Coach of the Year and Minnesota Coach of the Year, and in 2009, was the recipient of the 3M Excellence in Coaching Award.

Jan Kreminski, for distinguished service: Advocate for Centennial Schools which stemmed from his work with the Centennial Area Education Foundation for 19 years, from 2003-2022. Kreminski is honored for his involvement in the community, for his leadership in the Centennial Area Education Foundation, and for his tireless efforts to do what’s best for students and make an impact on their lives. Kreminski was tapped to help lead the foundation due to his experience and volunteerism with the St. Paul United Way (chair of the volunteer charities review committee and as a campaign loan executive), Circle-Lex Lions Club (vice president and president) and has served on the City of Circle Pines Zoning and Planning Committee. He is currently the chair of the Centennial Utilities Commission. Kreminski’s leadership and guidance have been crucial in taking the foundation from its early years to its present level of endowment, funding, and providing community benefit.

Colleen McMorran Salay (’85), Teacher, Centennial School District and founding member of the Centennial Alumni Association, distinguished alumna: McMorran Salay is honored for spearheading the Centennial Alumni Association, an organization designed to connect former students to the school district and to give back, for always being a cheerleader for our schools and an advocate for learning, and for her volunteerism in the Centennial community. McMorran Salay has been a teacher in the District for 30 years and was named Centennial Teacher of the Year in 2018. She carries a spirit for learning, motivates students to excel, families to get involved in their student’s education and with the schools, and rallies the alumni to get involved and give back, all in support of Centennial. She continues to cheer on our district as she is one of Centennial’s biggest advocates, supporting the school district, current students and families, and alumni.

Watch a video of the induction ceremony