Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Congratulations to our Auburn-Washburn students selected to perform at the Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop in Wichita! These talented musicians earned All-State honors through a competitive audition process. The All-State Elementary Choir performs tonight at Century II Convention Center. The other All-State ensembles perform on Saturday.

We’re also proud to celebrate Washburn Rural High School’s This Generation and the WRHS Jazz Band for being selected to perform. This is an incredible honor earned through a competitive audition process!👏

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Reminder: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, is an early release day. All schools will dismiss 90 minutes early.

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

It’s been a banner year for state championships at Washburn Rural High School, and the banners just keep on coming! Congratulations to Daniel Allen, who captured the Class 6A state title in the 100-yard butterfly as well as a bronze medal in the 100-yard backstroke!

The Jr. Blues also had podium finishes in the following events:
🏅4th Place – 200-yard medley relay (Andres Morao-Jaspe, Castle Wallace, Daniel Allen, Thomas Appuhn)
🏅4th Place – 200-yard individual medley (Thomas Appuhn)
🏅4th Place – 100-yard backstroke (Thomas Appuhn)

Congratulations to these standout athletes!

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

WRHS Bank, Common Grounds Coffee Shop, and The Shack, the school-based enterprises (SBEs) at Washburn Rural High School, have earned Gold Certification and will be recognized at DECA’s International Career Development Conference in April in Atlanta, Georgia.

An SBE is an entrepreneurial operation in a school setting that provides goods and services to meet the needs of the market. SBEs are managed and operated by students as hands-on learning laboratories that integrate National Curriculum Standards in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. DECA advisors have utilized this effective educational tool for over four decades to provide their students with realistic and practical learning experiences that reinforce classroom instruction, enhance 21st Century skill development, and prepare students for college and careers.

The Washburn Rural DECA members who contributed to the certification were Nicholas He, Kaci Hodgson, Keegan Knudtson, Kate Muir, and Kailyn Petersen, with guidance from their DECA chapter advisor, Brian McFall. The SBEs at WRHS have operated for over 15 years, an accomplishment that reflects sustained excellence and commitment.

“DECA’s School-based Enterprise Certification Program is a rigorous process designed to help DECA members demonstrate their classroom learning in a practical, learning laboratory, and then translate that into meaningful outcomes,” said Christopher Young, Chief Program Officer at DECA Inc. “These DECA members are practicing important workplace readiness skills while preparing for college and careers.”

DECA’s SBE Certification Program recognizes outstanding achievement while motivating SBEs to pursue continuous excellence and growth. Enterprises may receive certification at three levels: bronze, silver, or gold. To apply, SBEs must submit comprehensive documentation demonstrating how they meet established marketing and retail standards. Documentation is reviewed by a certification committee, which determines the level of recognition awarded. DECA’s SBE program is sponsored by Otis Spunkmeyer Inc.

Auburn-Washburn USD 437 Police

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

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! 🌟

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

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.