Legacy of Learning
Central Middle School (1973-2010)
Overcrowding in Central High School caused by community growth and integration forced the county to open two new high schools that could accomodate the students. Central High School turned into Central Middle School, becoming the main school for seventh and eighth graders who lived within the city limits of Murfreesboro and the nearby areas. During much of its nearly forty years of operation, Central Middle served as the only middle school in Murfreesboro, and many of our current community leaders attended Central Middle as children.
Terry Weeks
Terry Weeks was a long time Social Studies teacher at Central Middle School. In 1988, he was awarded Teacher of the Year in Tennessee, and later that year, he was recognized as National Teacher of the Year, the first Tennessean to be awarded that honor. He later became one of the first inductees into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame.
Photo courtesy of MTSU Photographic Services
Thomas Tenpenny
Thomas Tenpenny was the long time principal of Central Middle School. Under his guidance, Central Middle carried on the educational legacy of CHS. In 1977, he introduced Central Middle faculty to the innovative concept of mini-schools, which consisted of four teachers with each teacher specializing in one of four key content areas: social studies, English, science, or math.
Photo courtesy of Tom Tenpenny
I felt like I could go to those teachers, they could come to me. So we had that kind of relationship, we were out to help each other... and it was all genuine...
—Nancy Green
Cary Holman
Cary Holman also served as principal of Central Middle School. He served as principal for four years before the school transformed into Central Magnet School in 2010, when he moved to become principal of LaVergne Middle School.
Student Life
While attending Central Middle School, students took advantage of the many courses and extracurricular activities offered. Outside of class, students played a variety of sports that included basketball, football, volleyball, and track and field.
