Three members of the Washburn Rural High School community were recognized by the Board of Education last night for representing the very best of our district.

💫 Shining Star Student Award – Justin Jeon
Justin Jeon was honored for excellence defined not just by achievement, but by service and leadership. A senior at WRHS, Justin independently began volunteering two years ago to tutor and mentor middle school students in the After School Assistance Program. What started as service quickly grew into leadership, as he now coordinates scheduling, communication, and consistency for his tutoring team.

Justin serves as President of both National Honor Society and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and was recently admitted to Cornell University. Yet, as Principal Raines noted, “What stands out most is his humility, reliability, and care for others.” He represents the very best of Washburn Rural – scholarship, service, and character – and we are proud to celebrate him as a Shining Star.

💫 All Star Staff Award – Kyle Fowler
Longtime teacher and assistant coach Kyle Fowler was recognized for contributions that have been “consistent, generous, and largely behind the scenes.” Kyle has supported students, athletic programs, and colleagues with a steadiness and dependability that never seeks the spotlight.

When he transitioned from social studies into Construction Science to meet a building need, he embraced the challenge fully. “He stepped into Construction Science, learned new programming, developed new technical skills, and embraced a steep learning curve – all to meet a need in our building,” said Raines. “He did it quietly, without complaint, and without any expectation of recognition." He does an extraordinary amount for the WRHS community is most deserving of this recognition.

💫 All Star Staff Award – Bradley Miles
Bradley Miles was honored as someone who “truly represents the heart of Washburn Rural.” A WRHS graduate, Bradley has served the district for nearly 19 years. Though he works a shortened schedule, “He accomplishes more in that time than many do in a full eight-hour day," shared Raines. "There is no downtime with Bradley – when he’s here, he’s all business.”

While his work ethic is remarkable, it’s his spirit that makes him truly special. He is genuine, authentic, and brings energy and positivity to everyone around him. “Bradley is not just someone who works in our building," shared Raines. "He is part of our extended family. We are better because he is here, and we are grateful for his commitment, his energy, and his heart."

Please join us in congratulating Justin, Kyle, and Bradley for shining so bright and representing the very best of Washburn Rural High School! 🌟

Eighth-grade technology students at both Washburn Rural Middle School and Washburn Rural North Middle School are partnering with the ESTEEM Environmental Lab to design and build birdhouses and feeders to support local bird populations. This hands-on experience connects engineering, environmental science, and wildlife conservation with real-world woodworking and design experience.

The project launched last week with an engaging presentation from Janeen Walters of the Topeka Audubon Society and Washburn University. Students learned about native Kansas bird species, appropriate food sources, and how thoughtful birdhouse design can help protect against predators. Once completed, the student-built birdhouses and feeders will be installed at Auburn-Washburn’s outdoor environmental campus, where they will support local wildlife.

Thank you to the Auburn-Washburn Public Schools Foundation for funding this project through their annual classroom grant program.

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

There is now an opportunity for 6th grade students to take part in a Blue & White Football Clinic!🏈

📍McElroy Fieldhouse at Washburn Rural High School
📆February 16 & 17
⏰3:30–5:00 PM

Washburn Rural Middle School students will walk to the new fieldhouse located next to the WRHS soccer field. Transportation will be provided to the fieldhouse for Washburn Rural North Middle School students.

Register and pay online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6u2_MyViFjiphsfp5imiov2PteVx8d2Uu67r6cVJz9sYJDw/viewform.

Kindergarten enrollment is an exciting time in the life of a family, and at Auburn-Washburn, that process begins with Kindergarten Roundup! This event introduces families to school staff and helps them learn what to expect as they prepare for the year ahead.

Each elementary school will host a Kindergarten Roundup event on Friday, April 10, 2026. Learn more and register at http://www.usd437.net/roundup.

Please note that students must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2026, to enroll for the 2026-2027 school year.

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.

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! 📣