May 05, 2025 -- Walk into Centennial High School on any school day, and it's hard to miss the energy radiating from Room 107. At the center of it all is Leanne Rubadue, who has a bright smile, a steady presence, and a consistent belief in every student who crosses her path.
"A school can't function without a Rubadue on staff," said Adam Clausen, assistant principal at Centennial High School. "Without Rubadue, a lot of things would not work. We all aspire to have a teacher and a staff member like her in the building."
Now in her 24th year at Centennial, Rubadue has become more than a mathematics teacher and APEX credit recovery instructor. She is a hopeful hero in the school community. Rubadue meets every student with the same message, from first-period algebra reviews to after-school swim meets.
"I've been at Centennial my whole career," said Rubadue. "Every day, I try to work with students individually and help them with material. What keeps me motivated is the interactions with my students and knowing they're happy I'm here, too. I also love the diversity in what we can learn from our students and each other."
Her influence stretches far beyond the classroom. As the school's current swim coach and former cheer and basketball coach, Rubadue has cheered on hundreds of students from the sidelines, the pool deck, and the hallways. She celebrates wins and losses with equal energy, knowing that growth comes from both.
In the classroom, Rubadue becomes a math student's dream. She introduces complexities in the subject with a can-do attitude and friendly spirit, which are typical traits of a favorite tutor. She pairs practical instruction with motivational support, helping students not only master formulas but also believe in their ability to solve complex problems.
"Rubadue is always consistently supportive of everyone," said Will Mann, a junior at Centennial. "My first year at Centennial, I didn't really know many people; she really helped me get acquainted with the swim team. This year, I have her as a teacher. She has high standards for her students, but in a way that makes them better and keeps them up to date with all their work."
Whether students are preparing for a critical math exam or racing to earn enough credits to walk across the stage, Rubadue is always in their corner. Her classroom is a haven where effort matters, encouragement is consistent, and no goal feels out of reach.
"I just want to say thank you to [Rubadue] because I've had some troubles," said Kade Pimento, a freshman at Centennial High School. "You've helped me through those times; I don't know how to tell you, but you just do a lot, and thank you."
Research supports the importance of educators like Rubadue. A 2022 study published in Frontiers explains that when teachers engage positively with students, it improves academic motivation, emotional well-being, and long-term achievement. The study also noted that teacher-student relationships are "a strong predictor of academic success," especially in challenging learning environments.
Rubadue's approach reflects this research in action. Her commitment to student engagement through one-on-one APEX check-ins, practice test reviews, or pre-game pep talks creates a space where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to excel.
"Miss Rubadue is a person we lean on as school leaders in this building tremendously," said Clausen. "She helps freshman to senior year, kids she has on a roster, and kids she doesn't. She is an expert about getting kids caught up as we get closer to graduation."
Her longevity at Centennial is evidence of her love for the work. Rubadue remains a constant source of optimism and high expectations in a school that has seen changes over the decades. She builds trust with students by showing up daily, ready to help them dream big and achieve more, no matter where they start.
