Dear WRHS Families and Students,

As we close the chapter on another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to thank you—our students, families, and community—for your partnership, your trust, and your unwavering support of our mission here at Washburn Rural High School.

Each year brings its own set of triumphs and challenges, and this one was no exception. From academic milestones to musical performances, athletic grit to quiet acts of kindness, our students have grown in ways both visible and profound. I remain proud of the resilience, purpose, and spirit they’ve shown, and I’m equally grateful to the families who walk beside them in that journey.

Summer is a time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect. I hope each of you can find space to do just that—whether through rest, adventure, work, reading, or time with loved ones. I also encourage our students to keep one eye on the horizon: to use the summer months not just to pause, but to prepare. Great things rarely happen by accident. Whether you’re a rising freshman or a graduating senior, intentional choices now can set the stage for a meaningful, successful future.

To our graduates: thank you for leaving your mark on WRHS. You’ve shaped our halls with your presence and your leadership. As you step forward into what’s next, know that you carry the pride of a community that believes in you.
To all returning students and families: we look forward to welcoming you back in August, rested, inspired, and ready to build on the foundation we've laid together.

Until then, be safe, be kind, and be well.

Warm regards,

Ed Raines, Principal
raineedw@usd437.net
785-339-4100

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Regional Championship Soccer game vs. Manhattan! Game starts around 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 Quarterfinals on Monday, May 26.

Last night, nearly 450 Washburn Rural High School seniors turned their tassels and officially became alumni. For nearly half of them, this moment marked the culmination of a 13-year journey that began in our district as kindergarteners. It has been a true honor to witness their growth, resilience, and accomplishments along the way. Congratulations to the entire Class of 2025! We are so proud of you and wish you nothing but success and fulfillment on the road ahead!

Project Linus in Wolferts’ Science today tying blankets for kids in the hospital here in Topeka.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Round 1 Regional Soccer game vs. Wichita West High School! 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 Regional Finals on Thursday, May 22.

Ms. Baranski is THRILLED to announce that Team Ducklings took the gold at the first ever State Battle of the Books! Winning by 5 points (90-85), we narrowly edged out Ellinwood School. Please give a huge congrats to Eva Haas, Nikita He, Jyo Gurram, and Caroline Thompson! They worked really hard reading and committing book trivia to memory. We couldn't be more proud!

Today 178 8th grade band, choir, and orchestra students and 32 adults left WRMS at promptly 1:00 AM to head to St. Louis. We started our morning at Northwest High School in Eureka, Missouri where each ensemble played two selections for two judges. Ensembles from over 20 schools from Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois competed. After our performances, we all headed to Six Flags where we spent the day having a blast. During the awards ceremony, the ensembles received the following:

Band - Excellent - 2nd Place
Choir - Superior - 2nd Place - Overall Top Middle Level Choir Soloist Dylan Steverson
Orchestra - Excellent - 1st Place - Overall Top Middle Level Orchestra

We are exceptionally proud of how our students performed and behaved. It was an excellent way to end our final year in one building. -Lambotte, Lambotte, McLeland.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025!

Final performance of the year for our orchestra students.