January is ✨School Board Appreciation Month✨. Please join us in recognizing the Auburn-Washburn Board of Education for their leadership, service, and commitment to our students, staff, and community.

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Boys Basketball game vs. Seaman! Varsity game starts around 7:30 PM in the WRHS Activity Center and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

New stars are lighting up the galaxy! Three remarkable individuals from Auburn Elementary School were recognized by the Board of Education last night for the many ways they shine.

💫 Shining Star Student Award – Mattie Hosie
Fourth-grader Mattie Hosie is an active learner who participates in class, listens attentively, and stays focused on her work. Nominated by her teacher, Ms. Finley, Mattie was recognized for being helpful, compassionate, and incredibly perseverant. "She approaches each day with a positive attitude and a quiet determination that truly stands out," shared Principal Melissa Wells-Martin. "She never complains, never gives up, and always does her very best."

💫 All Star Staff Award – Cindy Underhill
Paraeducator Cindy Underhill, who has served Auburn Elementary for the past ten years, was honored with an All Star Staff Award. Cindy has a special gift for balancing student independence with just the right amount of guidance and support. "She believes in giving students independence while also knowing exactly when to step in with guidance, insight, and support," said Wells-Martin. "Auburn Elementary is better because of Cindy's kindness, patience, and steady presence."

💫 All Star Appreciation Award – Heather Appenfeller
Preschool teacher Heather Appenfeller finds joy in watching children explore, learn, and grow throughout the year. Knowing she has played a meaningful role in their development is what motivates her, so it’s no surprise she has devoted nearly 30 years to her work. Heather meets a wide range of needs with care, kindness, and patience that is nothing short of extraordinary, shared Wells-Martin. "Auburn Elementary is so fortunate to have her guiding our youngest students and laying the foundation for their future success."

Please join us in congratulating Mattie, Cindy, and Heather for representing the very best of Auburn Elementary!

School has been canceled in the Auburn-Washburn district for Monday, January 26, 2026, due to extremely cold morning temperatures and hazardous conditions impacting travel.

When it comes to debate, there's simply no one better.

Washburn Rural High School is once again the 6A State Debate Champions! Our 4-Speaker team took home the trophy with an undefeated 14-0 record. Congratulations to Tarrence Byrd, Sophie Heinen, Shri Chidambaranthan, and Campbell Hight for their state-winning performance! 💙

We also had an incredible showing in 2-Speaker debate! Congratulations to Zain Chaudhry and Rebecca Reed for making it to quarterfinals, and to Joel Jijo and Garv Khurana for making it to doubles!

They’ve trained for this all season, and they deserve a crowd that shows up big. Let's fill the stands and give them the HOME ADVANTAGE as they compete virtually for a national title! 📣

Several talented Auburn-Washburn students were honored this morning at the King Holiday Awards Program held at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park. Please join us in celebrating these 2026 Living the Dream Art, Essay, and Poetry Competition winners:

Art Competition Winners
🥇Cora Fleer – 1st place (5th-6th grade) | Washburn Rural Middle School | "Patches of Peace"
🥇Maya Cabrilo – 1st place (7th-8th grade) | Washburn Rural North Middle School | "The First With Many To Follow: Ruby Bridges"
🥉Marshall Dillon – 3rd place (5th-6th grade) | Washburn Rural North Middle School | "The March Forward That Isn't Finished"
🥉Jazmine Williams - 3rd place (7th-8th grade) | Washburn Rural North Middle School | "The Ones That Still Stand"

Essay Competition Winners
🥇Pranith Reddy Mandapati – 1st place (3rd-4th grade) | Jay Shideler Elementary School | "Brave Voices: Speaking Up, Staying Strong and Walking Proud"
🥇Danielle Philipi – 1st place (5th-6th grade) | Washburn Rural Middle School | "Fighting for Fairness"
🥉Ashrith Reddy Mandapati – 3rd place (3rd-4th grade) | Jay Shideler Elementary School | "A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way"
🥉Lillyanna Kimball – 3rd place (5th-6th grade) | Washburn Rural Middle School | "Keep Moving Forward"

Poetry Competition Winners
🥇Mildred May – 1st place (5th-6th grade) | Washburn Rural Middle School | "The Garden of Peace"
🥇Sophia Maxwell – 1st place (7th-8th grade) | Washburn Rural Middle School | "A Man of Many Colors"

Congratulations to these students whose creativity and voices reflect the values of hope, leadership, and positive change.

Washburn Rural North Middle School (WRN) hosted the Great Plains Regional Future City Competition today, welcoming 42 teams from schools across Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The event is part of an international STEM challenge that invites students in grades 6-8 to imagine, design, and build cities of the future.

This year’s theme, “Farm to Table,” invited teams to envision a city at least 100 years in the future that eliminates food waste from production to consumption, promotes citizen health and safety, and incorporates innovative and sustainable solutions.

Throughout the fall, students worked in teams, applying engineering design and project management principles to complete a comprehensive, large-scale project. The experience helps students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for future success.

WRN’s team, led by WRN science teacher Todd Berry, created a remarkable display and research-based essay centered on the fictional city of Greenbridge, Spain.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Girls Basketball game vs. Lawrence High! Varsity game starts around 7:00 PM in the WRHS Activity Center and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Fifteen talented artists from Washburn Rural High School received recognition for their work at the 2026 Regional Scholastic Art Competition in Wichita.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious educational initiative supporting student achievement in the visual and literary arts. The Scholastic Awards look for work that demonstrates originality, technical skills, and the emergence of personal voice or vision.

This year, more than 1,600 artworks were submitted by students across Eastern Kansas, with 509 pieces earning regional honors from local Scholastic Awards affiliate Mark Arts. Award recipients’ work was recognized by a panel of creative professionals as the most outstanding work submitted. Washburn Rural High School had 29 works selected this year. Silver and Gold Key works will be on display at Mark Arts from Friday, February 6 through Saturday, March 28. The Open House and Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 28 from 10 am - 12 pm.

This gallery contains the works of our Gold Key and Silver Key winners. To view all 15 award-winning pieces, visit https://usd437.net/news/2026-01-2026-scholastic-art-competition/public-wrhs-home.