The Heart of Center Award recognizes staff members who go above and beyond to make a positive difference for students, colleagues, families, and the community. The October 2026 Heart of Center recipients are Megan Fisher (pictured below), Coordinator of Elementary Academics, and Walden Thurn (pictured above), Network Workstation Technician.
Megan Fisher
Fisher was nominated by Renee Black, District MTSS Coordinator, who described her as one of the most dedicated employees in the Center School District.
"She is the person others turn to when they need help, have a problem to solve, or are unsure where to begin. More often than not, Megan has already identified the problem and begun working on a solution before others even realize there is a need," Black said.
Colleagues describe Fisher as creative, organized, compassionate, and resourceful. She consistently takes initiative, finds solutions to challenges, and steps in wherever support is needed. Recently, she helped provide leadership at Red Bridge Elementary, ensuring students and staff had the support they needed while continuing to fulfill her districtwide responsibilities.
Her colleagues especially appreciate her ability to anticipate needs and make their work easier.
"Megan cares deeply for others and pours her heart into everything she does!" one colleague shared. "She is always looking for ways to lighten the load for those around her. Sometimes, it's as if she can read my mind because she already has things in motion before I even have to ask."
Outside of work, Fisher enjoys spending time with her daughter, Miranda, her grandson, Ethan, and her dog, Ellie. She also loves hiking, discovering local coffee shops, and relaxing with a good book.
Walden Thurn
As a member of the district's Technology Department, Thurn is known for his reliability, extensive technical knowledge, and willingness to help others. Whether troubleshooting technology issues or responding to unexpected challenges, he approaches his work with a positive attitude and a commitment to finding solutions.
Colleagues describe Thurn as someone who consistently follows through on his commitments and goes above and beyond to support students and staff.
"One of Walden's greatest strengths is that he does exactly what he says he is going to do," a colleague shared. "He follows through on his commitments, takes pride in his work, and can always be counted on to get the job done."
Thurn's connection to Center School District goes all the way back to when he was just three months old, with family video of him at Red Bridge Elementary. He is a proud Center alumnus and has attended Center schools from Pre-K through 12th grade.
His interest in technology also began early. At age one, he fell onto a computer keyboard, leaving a scar on his lip. He jokes that he and computers have been in a lifelong competition to see who's smarter, and he's happy to report that he's winning. By age 15, he was building computers, turning that early connection into a passion and eventually a career.
Outside of work, Thurn enjoys travel and adventure. His experiences include driving 26 hours straight to San Diego and celebrating New Year's Eve in Tokyo, Japan.
Congratulations to Megan Fisher and Walden Thurn, our October Heart of Center Award recipients! They make Center School District a better place to learn and work. We are grateful to have them on our team!