During Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Principal Charlie Stoltenberg of Washburn Rural North Middle School recognized three exceptional members of the Ravens community for the leadership and character they demonstrate each day:

✨ Shining Star Student Award – Lucy Stones
Seventh-grade student Lucy Stones was praised for being well-rounded, highly driven, and mature. In addition to competing as a multi-sport athlete, Lucy is involved in orchestra, Scholars Bowl, National History Day, and other numerous other extracurricular activities. Her positive attitude and drive make her a role model among her peers.

✨ Classified All-Star Award – Lou Akkouche
Lead custodian Lou Akkouche was recognized for the care, kindness, and positivity he brings to the school each day. He is known for building meaningful connections with both students and staff. Media teacher and yearbook advisor Randi Stones shared, “In the first ever Washburn Rural North Yearbook, a 6th grader chose Lou as his school hero, citing that Lou stops to talk to the student and his friends every lunch period."

✨ Certified All-Star Award – Terry Hime
Reading interventionist Terry Hime was honored for her warmth, kindness, and calm demeanor, as well as her extraordinary expertise in literacy instruction. Dr. Ryan Fullerton, instructional facilitator, noted that Terry's leadership extends beyond the building and district to the national level, where she has helped prepare literacy specialists from across the country. "Her labyrinthine knowledge of the relationship between student needs, high quality instruction, and literacy development marks her as a professional who all can approach knowing they will receive reliable, well-considered feedback."

Congratulations to Lucy, Lou, and Terry for being recognized as shining stars in the Auburn-Washburn community!

If this doesn't bring tears to your eyes, we don't know what will! 🥹

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to our incredible educators! Thank you for believing in your students, making learning fun, offering support when it’s needed most, and never giving up. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom. For the countless ways you inspire, encourage, and uplift, THANK YOU!

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Girls Soccer Senior Night game vs. Wichita Northwest! Varsity game starts around 6:15 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Seniors will be recognized before the game.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's softball double header vs. Wichita Campus! First game starts at 4:00 PM at the 58th St Softball Complex and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Reminder: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, is an early release day. All schools will dismiss 90 minutes early.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Girls Soccer game vs. Blue Valley West! Varsity game starts around 6:15 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's baseball double header vs. Junction City! First game starts at 4:00 PM at the 61st St Baseball Fields next to WRMS and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Seniors will be recognized in between games.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Girls Soccer game vs. Wichita Trinity Academy! Varsity game starts around 6:15 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

More than a dozen camps are being offered throughout the Auburn-Washburn district this summer. For full details and registration information, visit http://www.usd437.net/fliers. Opportunities include:

💻Coding Camp: June 1-4 at the Washburn Rural High School Innovation Center. Open to students in grades K-9.

🧫Science Camp: This camp is open to students in grades 1-7. Two summer sessions are being offered – May 26-29 June 1-4. Both sessions will be held at the Outdoor Environmental Lab.

🚨Sheriff's Office Youth Academy: June 9-11 at Washburn Rural North Middle School. Open to incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.

⚾️All Star Baseball Camp: June 1-3 at the WRHS Baseball Field. Open to students in grades 1-8.

🏀Future Blues Boys Basketball Camp: This camp is open to students in grades 1-8. Two summer sessions are being offered – June 15-18 (WRHS) and July 13-16 (Washburn Rural Middle School).

🏀Girls Basketball Camp: June 8-11 at WRHS. Open to students in grades 3-8.

🏈Falcon Football Camp: June 22-25 at the WRMS Football Field. Open to incoming WRMS 7th and 8th grade students.

🏈Ravens Football Camp: June 22-25 at the WRN Football Field. Open to incoming WRN 7th and 8th grade students.

⚽️Champions Boys Soccer Camp: June 22-25 at the WRHS Soccer Field. Open to students entering grades 4-9.

⚽️Champions Girls Soccer Camp: June 22-25 at the WRHS Soccer Field. Open to students entering grades 4-9.

🥎Softball Skills Camp: June 1-3 at the WRHS Softball Fields. Open to students entering grades 3-9.

🎾Mighty Jr. Blues Tennis Camp: June 16-18 at the WRHS Tennis Courts. Open to students in grades K-8.

🏐High School Volleyball Camp: July 13-16 at WRHS. All students entering grades 9-12 who are interested in trying out for the 2026 volleyball team are strongly encouraged to attend.

🏐Summer Volleyball Camp: Camp will be held July 13-15 at WRHS. Open to students entering grades 3-8.

💪Fit Camp: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, beginning May 27 and ending July 17 at WRMS. Open to incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.

New camps are being added so daily, so check back often!

It was a beautiful morning to celebrate the Auburn-Washburn Public Schools Foundation at their 25th annual spring breakfast! This annual event brings together community leaders, business partners, district leaders, and supporters to highlight the powerful role philanthropy plays in enhancing, enriching, and expanding opportunities for our students.

This year’s program featured a special lineup, with remarks from past Superintendent Dr. Brenda Dietrich, current Superintendent Dr. Scott McWilliams, and incoming Superintendent Dr. Katie Collier – three amazing educators who have dedicated their professional careers to education.

Thank you to the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy for hosting us, and thank you to the Foundation board for all you do to support our schools and our students!