Valera, Coleman County
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 recreation lodge. (2008)