At Centralia High School, we often celebrate the accomplishments we can see—students excelling on the field, on stage, or in the classroom. But just as vital are the behind-the-scenes efforts of alumni like Abigail Miranda, who is quietly helping to keep the school’s technology running smoothly, as she works alongside our school’s IT support team. Abigail may be a recent graduate, but her journey back to Centralia as a technology intern has proven that she’s more than capable of holding her own in the fast-paced world of tech support.

Now a freshman at Kaskaskia College, Abigail spends part of her days at CHS, managing the very systems that helped her succeed as a student. Her contributions to the school’s technical infrastructure, including overseeing the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11, are nothing short of impressive. “I’m working on upgrading all the teachers’ computers to Windows 11 because Windows 10 is going end-of-life in 2025,” Abigail explains. For someone fresh out of high school, taking on a project of this scope shows just how capable she already is, even early in her journey.

This isn’t Abigail’s first foray into the world of technology, though. She began as a tech intern during her junior year at CHS, working alongside Brian Smith, one of the school’s tech experts, learning the ropes of tech support. “I was involved in everything from repairing Chromebooks to troubleshooting desktop issues,” Abigail recalls. “At first, fixing a Chromebook screen took me about 30 minutes, but now I can do it in around 10.” Over time, she developed a deep understanding of the school’s vast technology network, which includes more than 900 Chromebooks and 150 desktops, all needing constant attention and maintenance.

Though she had a natural inclination toward technology, Abigail credits her sister, Shelby McLaughlin, as the person who first sparked her interest in the field. “My sister works in a similar job, and her passion for it inspired me,” Abigail says. “I’m not trying to follow her exact path, but she definitely pushed me toward this career.” That early inspiration, combined with the hands-on experience she gained at CHS, has shaped her current path, and though Abigail isn’t yet certain where it will take her, she’s eager to explore the possibilities.

Brian Smith, who has mentored Abigail during her internship, notes how far she has come. “Abigail is incredibly talented and dedicated,” he says. “She’s been with us for over a year and a half, and I’ve seen her grow into someone who could walk into almost any IT role after she finishes college.” While Brian continues to provide guidance, it’s clear that Abigail’s work speaks for itself, as she takes on more responsibility and continues to excel at her tasks.

What makes Abigail’s story so compelling is not just her technical expertise but her dedication to the school that helped shape her. As a CHS alumna, her return to Centralia is a testament to the strength of the community and the opportunities available to those willing to pursue them. While many young people dream of spreading their wings far from home, Abigail has found her niche here, where she’s making a tangible impact on the school and the people she cares about.

Although her path is still evolving, Abigail remains focused on her current role. “I’m studying network administration at Kaskaskia College,” she says. “I’m not entirely sure where it will lead, but for now, I’m enjoying learning and getting more hands-on experience.” With the solid foundation she’s built at CHS, it’s easy to imagine her continuing to make strides in the tech world, whether she stays local or moves on to larger ventures.

Abigail’s story is not just one of technical skills and academic progress; it’s a reflection of the power of mentorship, community, and perseverance. As she continues to grow and hone her skills, she stands as a proud example of the talent being nurtured at Centralia High School.