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.

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Students in the Washburn Rural High School (WRHS) Architecture & Construction pathway witnessed a historic moment this afternoon as FHLBank Topeka president and CEO Jeff Kuzbel presented a $10,000 check in support of the program. The gift will directly enhance hands-on learning for students enrolled in residential carpentry, woodworking, drafting, and other architecture- and construction-related courses by funding essential materials and equipment to support their work.

“We are incredibly grateful for FHLBank Topeka’s investment in our students,” said Auburn-Washburn Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott McWilliams. “This gift strengthens a program that provides meaningful career exploration and industry-aligned skills. Partnerships like this help us prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.”

The gift reflects FHLBank Topeka’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and affordable housing initiatives. The organization has championed similar education-to-career models, including its partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver to establish the FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Institute at MSU Denver, which helps address the need for skilled professionals in affordable housing, property management, and resident services.

“Education is an important driver for community growth,” said FHLBank Topeka president and CEO Jeff Kuzbel. “As a proud member of the Topeka community since 1932, FHLBank Topeka has long partnered on initiatives that strengthen local development. We recognize the vital role that architecture and construction programs play in preparing high school students for future success and are honored to play a small part in expanding these opportunities at Washburn Rural High School.”

To learn more, visit https://usd437.net/news/2025-12-10-000-gift-from-fhlbank-topeka-supports-hands-on-learning-for-wrhs-architecture-construction-students/public-home.

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

The annual Blue & White Football Clinic hosted by Washburn Rural High School coaches and players is just around the corner. The clinic is open to elementary students in grades 2-5 and will focus on skill development, position-specific drills, scheme awareness, and games. Registration is $30 and the schedule is as follows:

🏈Jay Shideler Elementary School: January 6, 7, 8 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Auburn Elementary School: January 12, 13, 15 (M/T/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Farley Elementary School: January 20, 21, 22 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Wanamaker Elementary School: January 27, 28, 29 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Indian Hills Elementary School: February 3, 4, 5 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Pauline South Intermediate School: February 10, 11, 12 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm

Online registration is available at https://forms.gle/rUypqkrDxoBNvtqY8.

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

This Generation, the premier vocal ensemble from Washburn Rural High School, helped usher in the holiday season today with a beautiful performance at First Presbyterian Church of Topeka's Noon Noels concert series.

If you missed the chance to see them live, there are plenty of upcoming opportunities, including their annual Candlelight Concert:

📆Saturday, December 13
📍WRHS Auditorium
⏱️7:00 PM

Come experience an evening of holiday music that will leave you feeling merry and bright!

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Last night's annual STEAM Carnival, hosted by the Washburn Rural High School Computer Science Honor Society, was a tremendous success! Students in grades K-8 rotated through several interactive stations, exploring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. They dug into topics like volume, wind energy, physics, biology, coding, robotics, animation, and more!

Held each year in honor of Computer Science Education Week, the event continues to inspire young learners across our district. A big thank you to our CSHS leaders and their sponsor Haley Schmitz for hosting such a fun and educational evening!