For Stephanie Aarons-Dennison, the title of band director is more than just a job—it’s a full-circle moment. An alumna of CHS, Stephanie returned to her alma mater in 2017, bringing with her not just experience, but a genuine love for the place she calls home. After earning her degree from Eastern Illinois University and cutting her teeth at Fairfield Community High School, Stephanie came back to Centralia—this time not as a student, but as the guiding force of its band program. Her journey has been one of growth, dedication, and giving back.

“I see a lot of pride in this community, especially in how the students want to stay involved after graduation,” Stephanie says, her voice ringing with admiration. And she means it—many of her current staff members are former students, from percussion to color guard to marching band assistants. It’s a team effort steeped in tradition, but one that constantly looks forward, embodying the very values Stephanie holds dear: growth, connection, and pride.

“I always think about those who built this program before me, like Marie Allen,” she adds, referencing a former CHS band director. “Marie’s influence was incredible, and it’s that foundation I continue to honor.” Xavier Wilmuth’s story is just as inspiring. A senior drum major with a saxophone soul at CHS, Xavier moved to Centralia in seventh grade from Vienna, Illinois, a town known more for its proximity to the Tunnel Hill Trail and the Shawnee than its musical offerings.

For Xavier, the move was about more than just geography—it was a step toward realizing his full potential as a musician. Encouraged by his parents, who recognized his passion for music, Xavier dove into CHS’s band program headfirst, starting with the tenor saxophone and eventually rising to the role of drum major.

“Music was always a big part of my life,” Xavier shares. “I grew up in a musical family—my dad played electric guitar, my grandma acoustic, and I followed that love of sound.”

But Xavier is more than just a musician—he’s a leader. As a drum major, he’s responsible for keeping the band in sync, both on the field and in spirit. “A drum major is like a metronome for the band,” he explains with a smile. “We keep time, give cues, and make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s a leadership role, but it’s also about being there with, and for, your fellow musicians.”

For both Stephanie and Xavier, Centralia’s commitment to its young people and its music program is a source of immense pride. Xavier’s parents moved him to Centralia for one reason: CHS offered a better music program than his previous school. It’s a decision that Xavier doesn’t take lightly.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here,” Xavier says. “My parents made sacrifices for me, and that’s something I carry with me every day.” Stephanie echoes that sentiment. “Music isn’t just about playing instruments; it’s about building confidence, learning discipline, and fostering connections that last a lifetime,” she says. “These kids aren’t just becoming better musicians—they’re becoming better people.”

As for the future, both Stephanie and Xavier have their sights set on growth. For Stephanie, it’s about expanding the program, bringing more students into the fold, and ensuring that the next generation of musicians continues to thrive. For Xavier, it’s about finishing his senior year on a high note, helping sometimes timid freshmen find their voice, just as the CHS community did for him.

In a town like Centralia, where the community rallies behind its young people, Stephanie Aarons-Dennison and Xavier Wilmuth stand as living proof of what can happen when talent meets opportunity. The story they share, much like the music they love, resonates far beyond the halls of CHS—it echoes through the heart of the community itself.