Four Washburn Rural High School students have been named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program, a distinction awarded to less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Kavinayashri Chidambaranathan, Aditi Nimishakavi, Camden Sayers, and Parker Williams were among the top scorers in the nation on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, earning them this prestigious recognition. Two additional WRHS seniors, Jackson Harader and Ananya Anaparthi, were named National Merit Commended Scholars for scoring among the top 50,000 students out of more than 1.3 million participants nationwide.

Washburn Rural High School Principal Ed Raines praised the students, saying, “We are proud to celebrate these academically-gifted students for their remarkable achievements. Being named a National Merit Scholar is one of the highest academic honors a high school student can receive. Their recognition upholds the long-standing tradition of academic excellence that defines our school."

Auburn-Washburn Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott McWilliams echoed this sentiment and highlighted the districtwide pride these achievements bring. "Many of these students began their educational journeys with us as kindergarteners. Their recognition as National Merit Scholars is not only a testament to their hard work, but it is also a reflection of the dedicated educators who supported and nurtured them along the way. Staff members across our district take great pride in their success."

In the past five years, 31 Washburn Rural High School students have been named National Merit Finalists, Semifinalists, and Commended Scholars.

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Soccer game vs. De Soto! Varsity game starts around 6:30 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be livestreamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Students in Brad LeDuc's AP Studio Art class spent the last three weeks collaborating on oversized portraits of this year's "Unsung Heroes of Washburn Rural High School." The 7' x 9' portraits, inspired by the contemporary work of artist Chuck Close, were unveiled to honorees Mr. Harvey and Mr. Beasley this morning.

In a heartfelt essay about Mr. Harvey, student Meagan Sanderson praised his dedication, stating, "One of the qualities that makes Mr. Harvey truly exceptional is his commitment to building meaningful relationships with his kids, inside and outside the classroom. The mutual respect and vulnerability he shares creates a meaningful and priceless bond." Sanderson went on to describe Mr. Harvey as motivational, hardworking, selfless, and caring.

An alumnus of WRHS, Mr. Beasley now finds himself on the other side of the classroom as both a theatre and history teacher. "He finds great fulfillment in witnessing the positive influence he has on his students by providing them with valuable learning experiences and celebrating their students," said student Elia Smith. At the core of his teaching is a commitment to kindness, respect, and dignity in his interactions with others.

Congratulations to Mr. Harvey and Mr. Beasley for being recognized as this year's "Unsung Heroes."

Next up at the Outdoor Environmental Laboratory – a hands-on "Squirmy Science" field trip for our third graders! This special field trip features an up-close look at the fascinating world of worms, insects, and arachnids, with special guest appearances by a Sabah Walking Stick, Madagascar hissing cockroach, Mexican red-knee tarantula, and giant African millipede. Thank you to the Topeka Zoo for sharing your expertise on invertebrates – and for the mealworm appetizers for our more adventurous students! 🪱

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Volleyball Triangular vs. Basehor-Linwood and Gardner Edgerton! Games start at 5:00 PM in the WRHS Activity Center.

If you are unable to attend tonight's event, varsity coverage will be livestreamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Washburn Rural High School will host their annual Substance Abuse Awareness Night on Tuesday, September 10 at 6:30 pm. This informative event is open to parents and guardians who want to learn about teen substance abuse trends and practical strategies to support your students. To confirm your attendance, please RSVP to Chief of Police Sam Ralston via phone or email.

🏈GAME DAY!🏈

Join us at Bowen-Glaze Stadium tonight to cheer on our Washburn Rural High School Jr. Blues as they take on the Shawnee Heights Thunderbirds. Pre-game begins at 6:45 pm. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm. If you are unable to attend, coverage will be livestreamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

The Board of Education proudly recognized three individuals from Wanamaker Elementary School during their board meeting earlier this week – student Haven Silsby and staff members Laurel Pounds and Julie Beck.

Haven received the ✨Shining Star Award✨ for being an exemplary role model among Wanamaker students. She embodies kindness, respect, and authenticity, remarked Principal Marc Sonderegger. "She is always happy to go the extra mile to help her teachers and other students." A dedicated and academically gifted student, Haven has participated in both the SUMday Math Competition and STUCO, showcasing her commitment to learning and leading.

Laurel Pounds is a paraprofessional whose quiet and kind way of working with students has earned her the respect of peers. In presenting her with the ✨All Star Award,✨ Principal Sonderegger shared, "She pushes students when they need pushed, encourages them when they are down, and always treats them with care. Our students and staff are lucky to have her."

Famed educator Rita Pierson once stated, "Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." According to Principal Sonderegger, Julie Beck is exactly that person to so many students. "She cares deeply about her students and goes above and beyond to build trust and help them grow socially, emotionally, and academically." Her love for students and the art of teaching makes her the perfect recipient for our district's ✨All Star Award.✨

Please join us in celebrating these outstanding stars within the Auburn-Washburn community!

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Soccer game vs. Wichita Northwest! Varsity game starts around 6:30 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be livestreamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Q: Where do saplings go to learn?
A: To elemen-tree school, of course!

Fourth-graders from each of our elemen-tree schools took turns exploring our 50-acre outdoor education campus this past week. Donated to Auburn-Washburn in 1993 with the mission of fostering environmental education, the land includes mobile classrooms, ponds, nature trails, and open-air pavilions. As part of their curriculum, students engaged in hands-on lessons related to animal adaptations, the lifecycle of trees, milkweed in the ecosystem, and more!