In 1936, the Valera, Bowen, White Chapel and New Central communities established a common high school. The new centralized campus, the second rural high school in Coleman County, was named to commemorate Texas’ centennial of independence celebrated that year. After the original frame school burned in 1940, federal grants from the Works Progress Administration helped build a new schoolhouse, gymnasium and teacherage. Consolidation created the Talpa-Centennial District in 1958 and then Panther Creek in 1986, with this campus serving as an elementary school. After a new Panther Creek school opened near Voss in 1988, this site became a cooperative alternative school and later a recreational lodge.