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Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at the basketball games vs. Topeka High tonight, February 7! Varsity Girls start at approximately 6:00 PM and Varsity Boys afterward around 7:30 PM in the WRHS Activity Center. The King & Queen of Courts Ceremony will take place in between the Varsity Girls and Boys games.

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

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at the basketball game vs. Junction City tonight, February 5! Varsity Girls start at approximately 6:00 PM in the WRHS Activity Center.

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

We are proud to honor and recognize these bright stars from Washburn Rural High School!


Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Last night, the Board of Education proudly recognized four exceptional individuals from Washburn Rural High School for their leadership, dedication, and positive impact. The honorees included junior Conner Schonlaw and staff members Jessica Morrissey, Kaylee Barber, and Jessica Luse.

Conner Schonlaw, recipient of the ✨Shining Star Award✨, is an active participant in various sports programs, including Unified bowling, basketball, and soccer. He is a dedicated three-year member of the boys basketball program, serving as team manager across all levels. Beyond athletics, Conner’s positivity and kindness have left a lasting impact. "Affectionately known by all the guys as 'Big C,'" said Athletics Director Charlie Nimz, "his infectious positivity and constant smile brighten the lives of everyone around him, and his kindness serves as a reminder that if we all treated everybody the way that Conner does, the world would be a better place."

Jessica Morrissey was presented the ✨All-Star Award✨ for exemplifying the qualities of a top-tier classified staff member. Known for her attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and unwavering reliability, Jessica consistently delivers work of the highest standard. "Her dependability is unmatched," said Principal Ed Raines. "Whether it's managing deadlines, coordinating complex schedules, or anticipating the needs of those she works with, Jessica always handles everything with grace and efficiency." Her dedication, capability, and problem-solving skills inspire admiration and respect from all those around her, making her truly deserving of this recognition.

Student council sponsors Kaylee Barber and Jessica Luse were also recognized with ✨All-Star Awards✨. "They are literally the cogs in the wheel," remarked Assistant Principal Kelly Younger, "ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed. From designing and facilitating events that bring our student body together to overseeing large scale gatherings that appear effortless, their dedication and hard work make it all possible." Their relentless efforts foster kindness, build community, and inspire students to grow as responsible leaders who collaborate toward shared goals. Their passion encourages students to think boldly and dream big.

Please join us in celebrating these bright stars for their extraordinary contributions!


🚨STOP SCROLLING!🚨
Read on for important information about Winter Formal, Spirit Week, and King & Queen of Courts.

✨ Winter Formal ✨
Meet Me at Midnight, this year's winter formal, will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 8:00 – 11:00 pm at the Sunflower Ballroom at Maner Conference Center. View the image gallery in this post for additional information.

🎭 Spirit Week 🎭
A themed Spirit Week is planned for the days leading up to the dance. Details on dress-up days and activities have been announced and are shared in this post's image gallery.

👑 King & Queen of Courts 👑
A special congratulations goes out to this year’s candidates:

  • Kate Hinck (Girls Basketball)
  • Liana Murphy (BSU)
  • Taylynn Bivens (Cheer)
  • Emerie Catlin (FCA)
  • Rylee Ismert (Track & Field)
  • Ashley Schwarz (Girls Wrestling)
  • Mitchell Rabb (Baseball)
  • Kaden Ballard (Boys Basketball)
  • Conner Ahrens (Bowling)
  • Jack Rogers (Journalism/Yearbook)
  • Ryder Nikkel (Boys Soccer)
  • Easton Broxterman (Boys Wrestling)
    The King & Queen of Courts will be crowned on Friday, February 7, 2025, between the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games at the WRHS Activity Center.

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at the basketball game vs. Junction City tonight, January 30! Varsity Boys start at approximately 7:30 PM in the WRHS Activity Center.

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

Tune in and enjoy the game!


Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Through the newly-launched Rural Broadcast initiative, Washburn Rural High School students take center stage delivering live play-by-play coverage of varsity basketball games. Senior Calvin Manthe and junior Peyton Goehring kicked off the program with an electrifying broadcast earlier this month. They will be back in action tomorrow night – Thursday, January 30, 2025 – as the Junior Blues take on Junction City at 7:30 pm. Tune in live at http://wrhs.net/live.


REMINDER: The ✨2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony✨ will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 4:30 pm in the WRHS Cafeteria. Inductees will also be honored on the court during halftime between the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games.


Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Established in 2003, the Washburn Rural High School Hall of Fame recognizes graduates and staff who have achieved remarkable accomplishments at the local, state, or national levels. We are thrilled to announce this year's inductees:

✨Michael Brennan (1974–2022) – A 1992 graduate of Washburn Rural High School, Brennan earned acclaim as a vocal coach, musician, and composer. He served as musical director for Broadway tours Victor/Victoria, Cinderella, and Disney's The Lion King. In Las Vegas, Brennan contributed to iconic shows like Le Rêve, which was named "Best Show in Las Vegas" for nine consecutive years. His original scores have captivated global audiences. He created "One Night for One Drop" for Cirque du Soleil and "Celestia" at The STRAT, which won "Best New Show" in 2019 and was featured on America's Got Talent. His musical "Citizen Ruth" won Best Musical at the New York International Fringe Festival, and his animated shorts have earned over 80 international film awards.

✨2008 Girls Softball Team – The 2008 state championship softball team concluded their season with a 23-2 record. During the state tournament, the team did not allow a single earned run and gave up only one run in three games. In addition to claiming the state title, the team also won the Centennial League and Regional Championships. Seven of the 13 players on that team went on to play collegiate softball.

✨Kevin Hedberg – A fixture of Washburn Rural for 32 years, Coach Kevin Hedberg began his career in 1991 and left a legacy of excellence as both a teacher and tennis coach. In addition to being named Auburn-Washburn's Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2022, he amassed an incredible 22 Coach of the Year awards during his tenure. Under his leadership, WRHS tennis players achieved 58 All-State honors and his teams secured 47 city championships, 42 league championships, 41 regional championships, and five 6A state championships. Coach Hedberg's contributions to tennis earned him induction into the Missouri Valley Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Kansas Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame in 2023.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025 in the WRHS Cafeteria. Inductees will also be honored on the court during halftime between the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games. Congratulations to this year’s Hall of Fame inductees!

Good afternoon:

To ensure a smooth start to the semester, we offer the following suggestions.

Please remind your students to charge their Chromebook today to ensure they are operational for the morning. We also recommend that they clean out their bags to eliminate unnecessary items and excess weight.

Students who drive should start their vehicles today, if they have not done so recently, and clear snow and ice from windows and flat surfaces. Additionally, please encourage them to depart early and exercise caution while driving to school.

We look forward to seeing all students tomorrow!

Check out the latest issue of the Junior Blues Newsletter!

https://usd437.net/assets/newsletters/junior-blues-news/december-2024