During a special celebration recognizing high school graduates, Braden Brittingham was awarded with a ✨Shining Star Student Award.✨ Said Assistant Principal Chris Appuhn, "Braden has been a standout example of leadership, kindness, and dedication throughout his time here. He consistently set a positive tone for his peers and demonstrated the qualities we hope to see in all of our students. While we will deeply miss his presence in the building, we are excited to watch his continued growth and are confident that he will achieve great success in the future."

Congratulations, Braden – and best of luck in the future!

There’s fast. And then there’s Jr. Blues fast!

Congratulations to these standout athletes who brought home gold at the Class 6A State Track & Field Championships:

🥇Isaiah Terry, Liam Morrison, Draden Chooncharoen, and Matthew Houser | 4x400 meter relay
🥇Isaiah Terry | 400 meter dash
🥇Liam Morrison | 300 meter hurdles

Not only did the 4x400 relay team win the state title, they broke the state record in the process!

Congratulations, athletes! You've etched your names in school history.

🚨This is not a drill. Repeat. This is not a drill.🚨

For the first time in school history, your Lady Blues Soccer team is 6A STATE CHAMPIONS!

In what will go down as one of the hardest-fought battles in program history, the Lady Blues triumphed after double overtime and a penalty kick shootout. Congratulations to these amazing athletes and their coaches. You've made history!

It’s an exciting weekend for Washburn Rural High School Athletics as several of our athletes and teams compete at the state level! Here’s a look at the days ahead:

🏃‍♂️ Class 6A State Track & Field
More than a dozen Jr. Blues will compete in individual events and team relays.
Location: Cessna Stadium, Wichita State University
Dates: Friday, May 30 & Saturday, May 31
Stay updated with performance lists and live results at https://www.kshsaa.org/react/activity/tournament/info/track%20&%20Field/state/11/0

🥎 Class 6A State Softball
The Lady Blues face off against Mill Valley High School today in the semi-final matchup. If they win, they will play in the title game at 5:00 PM.
Location: Arrocha Ball Park, University of Kansas
Date & Time: Friday, May 30 at 1:00 PM
Fan and ticket information is available at https://www.kshsaa.org/react/activity/tournament/info/softball/state/4/2

⚽ Class 6A State Soccer
The Lady Blues take on Mill Valley High School in the championship match on Saturday.
Location: Wichita Stryker Sports Complex
Date & Time: Saturday, May 31 at 4:30 PM
Fan and ticket information is available at https://www.kshsaa.org/react/activity/tournament/info/soccer/state/12/2

Wishing all of our coaches and athletes the best of luck! 💪

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's State Semifinal Soccer game vs. Blue Valley! Game starts at 6:00 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

The winner of tonight's game will advance to the State Championship in Wichita on Saturday, May 31.

Last week, several individuals from our Early Childhood Education program were recognized by the Board of Education for their contributions and impact! Please join us in celebrating the following awardees:

🌟 Addie Heffren brings joy, imagination, and heart to the classroom each day. She is a friend to many, with her vibrant personality, love of dramatic play, and caring nature making her a treasured part of the classroom community. "Much of Addie's growth has been supported by the strong involvement of her parents, who are active partners in both her education and our early childhood program," said Early Childhood Director Loralea Hubert. We are proud to recognize her with the Shining Star Student Award.

🌟 Mel Applebee-Jacques is celebrated for her deep wealth of knowledge, creativity, and calm presence. "She is dependable, patient, and caring – qualities that shine through in the way she connects with our students and supports their learning," shared Hubert. She brings learning to life through hands-on projects and is gifted at building meaningful connections with students. We are proud to honor her with the All Star Staff Award.

🌟 Rachel Hundley is an exceptional educator known for her compassionate leadership, collaborative spirit, and individualized approach to instruction. She goes above and beyond to meet the unique needs of her students, using thoughtful strategies and tools to ensure every child can access learning and express themselves. "She balances clear guidance with trust in her team's autonomy, ensuring each student's plan is implemented with fidelity and care," shared Hubert. We are proud to recognize her with the All Star Staff Award.

Congratulations to Addie Heffren, Mel Applebee-Jacques, and Rachel Hundley on their well-deserved recognition!

It may be summer break, but we’re still reeling from all the incredible moments that made this school year so special, including the eighth-grade music trip to St. Louis. On May 17, at 1:00 am sharp, 178 eighth-grade band, choir, and orchestra students hopped on buses for a day trip. They kicked off the morning at Northwest High School in Eureka, Missouri, where each ensemble group performed two selections for a panel of judges. Competing alongside students from more than 20 schools across Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois, Washburn Rural Middle School came away with these impressive honors:

🎻 Orchestra – Excellent rating (1st Place)
🎤 Choir – Superior rating (2nd Place) with Dylan Steverson named Overall Top Middle Level Choir Soloist
🎺 Band – Excellent rating (2nd Place)

After performing, students headed to Six Flags for a well-deserved day of celebration and fun. We are exceptionally proud of how they represented the district, both on stage and off!

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's State Quarterfinal Soccer game vs. Topeka High! Game starts at 6:00 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

The winner of tonight's game will advance to State Semifinals on Wednesday, May 28.

It's one of our favorite traditions of the year! Each May, our senior graduates return to their elementary roots for a Grad Walk in their caps and gowns. They have a chance to reconnect with former teachers while encouraging the young students who are following in their footsteps by walking the halls they once did. 🎓💙

Washburn Rural High School's final art show of the year, "Love Letters to Baer," is now open in the new gallery space in the heart of H Hall – and trust us, you don't want to miss it!

This surprise tribute honors Mrs. Baer-Witt and the lasting impact she has had on students over the course of her teaching career. Alumni submitted artwork alongside heartfelt “love letters” to Baer-Witt, reflecting on how her teaching shaped their lives. It’s beautiful, emotional, and yes—you might need a Kleenex.

Come walk through this moving exhibit and enjoy a few throwback masterpieces, including a wobbly-eyed ceramic snail created by our own Matt Swedlund 25 years ago! A closing reception will be held on Friday, May 23, from 3:00-4:00 pm in the gallery.