NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.”

On December 3, eleven WRHS welding students competed against nearly 160 welders from 20 schools at the Paola Welding Invitational. Students completed a range of fabrication tasks requiring multiple cutting and welding processes and were evaluated by Certified Welding Inspectors from the Missouri Welding Institute.

The novice team, Michelle Anderson, Sam Schwartz, Jackson Golden, Phoenix Benaka, and Caleb Pearce, placed third overall, finishing just nine points out of first. Michelle Anderson earned fifth place as the top novice female welder and was the only female to reach the podium in either division, while Sam Schwartz placed second individually.

In the advanced division, Emma Ogleby, Kaeden Griffith, Desmond Grindal, Quintin Alvarez, and Stryker Grosfield placed fifth overall after completing demanding welds including 5G pipe and TIG groove welds. Desmond Grindal also earned a ninth place individual finish.

The 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!