Principal

Greetings!

As we wrap up another school year, it's a great time to reflect on the many achievements that have defined this exciting and successful year at WRHS!

From the classroom to the field, stage, and beyond, our students and staff have truly excelled. In athletics, WRHS earned City Championships in Boys' and Girls' Cross Country, Girls' Golf, Boys' Swim, and Boys' Bowling. We claimed Centennial League titles in Boys' Soccer, Volleyball, Girls' Cross Country, Girls' Bowling, and Boys' Basketball, and won Regional or Sub-State Championships in eight sports. Notably, we had three State Champions in Boys' Wrestling: Landen Kocher-Munoz (138 lbs.), Easton Broxterman (144 lbs.), and Kristjan Marshall (157 lbs.). Coaching excellence was also recognized, with multiple coaches earning City or League Coach of the Year honors.

Beyond athletics, our extracurricular and co-curricular programs continue to thrive. AFJROTC returned to pre-COVID enrollment with over 120 students. Highlights included aerial refueling training with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Distinguished Unit qualification, and a championship win at the Topeka West Drill Competition. Cadets logged over 2,500 service hours and will end the year with a memorable trip to Washington, D.C.

The Music Department also had an outstanding spring. Jazz I earned top honors at multiple festivals, while the Wind Ensemble received unanimous "I" ratings at the KSHSAA Large Ensemble Festival. Orchestra students also shined, with both Chamber and Symphony Orchestras earning Superior ratings at the State Large Group Festival. In all, the department earned 87 Superior ratings at Regional Solo/Ensemble, and will conclude the year with Stringfest and the Awards Concert on May 7. Chorale and This Generation earned top scores at contest, while Ambience, Concert Choir, and the combined choirs received excellent "II" ratings. Chorale also had a special opportunity to perform alongside the Augustana College Choir at Grace Episcopal Cathedral—a highlight of the semester.

Washburn Rural Theatre had an exceptional year. In addition to mainstage productions of The Best Man, Urinetown, and Sense & Sensibility, students shared performances across the district, reaching nearly 1,500 younger students with a touring Theatre for Young Audiences production. At the Kansas Thespian Festival, WRHS earned Gold Honor Troupe status, with 21 students competing—13 receiving Superior and 8 Excellent ratings. Notable honors included a Kansas State Thespian Scholarship for Owen Tremblay, a Thespy Showcase selection for Addie Reach, and Weston Widman being named a Kansas State Thespian Officer for 2025. The WRHS community has every reason to be proud. This truly has been a dynamic and rewarding year! On behalf of the entire team at WRHS, we wish you a relaxing, safe, and joyful summer. It has been our honor to work with you this year.