Henry David Thoreau once wrote, "Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." The hallways of WRHS have been graced with numerous persons who fit this description and they deserve our recognition.

Established in 2003, the WRHS Hall of Fame honors graduates and staff members who have excelled and achieved significant accomplishments at the local, state, or national level.

Nominations for the WRHS Hall of Fame are taken each year until August 31st. In the Spring semester a public ceremony is held at the high school to recognize inductees with a plaque and a memento of appreciation. Inductees are also recognized at a school event on the same day as the ceremony. Plaques are also displayed on the WRHS Hall of Fame wall outside of the auditorium.

Nominations are now being accepted for WRHS Hall of Fame inductees for Fall 2012.

Click here for eligibility information (PDF)
Click here for nomination form (PDF)

Mr. Don Gifford graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1973. After high school he attended both Fort Scott Community College and Sterling College, where he received his BA in 1978. Later, Don earned his Masters degree from Emporia State University. Don collectively spent 10 years teaching Social Students classes at Marais des Cygnes, Mulvane and Nickerson High Schools. In 1987, Don took the opportunity to return to his alma-mater. He spent 23 years serving students at WRHS teaching AP US History, American Government and Political Philosophy. During his tenure he also contributed to sports and activities, serving as Head baseball coach for 5 years and as both Assistant football and basketball coach. He was the offensive line coach for the 1989 State Championship football team. Don spent all 24 educational years providing students with a spiritual outlet through his leadership in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Don considers his work with FCA his most significant extra curricular achievement. During Don's teaching career it was evident he valued continued learning opportunities that both promoted his knowledge and strengthened his instructional abilities. Additionally he not only taught, coached and sponsored, but also recognized his professional obligations by serving on many leadership and staff development groups. Comments from some of his colleagues include, "Mr. Gifford helps students and colleagues realize that effective teaching is not about filling a student's mind with data, but rather lighting a fire within them to empower a curiosity and a self-directed, life-long desire to learn." Another adds, "Don does not just teach Social Studies, but teaches how to live happy. That is his gift." One student maintains, "Mr. Gifford is one of those people who can impact you for a little span of your life in a big way." Another says, "He has the ability to capture the attention of all his students with his humorous stories that link to the topic of class discussion." And yet another student reflects, "I enjoyed history before, but I fell in love with it after Mr. Gifford's class. He has inspired me. I am going to be a history teacher and hopefully I can be as good at it as he is." Don continues his passion for life-long learning by working with the Kansas Department of Education.

Dr. John Kirk Romary graduated from WRHS in 1952. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Washburn University in 1956, earning a BS in Chemistry with near majors in Mathematics and Physics. He graduated in 1961 with highest honors from Kansas State University with a Ph.D in Physical Chemistry. After earning his Doctorate, he joined the faculty of the University of Nevada-Reno to help develop their new doctoral degree in Chemistry. After 2 years there, Romary spent 1963-1967 at Washburn University as an Associate Professor of Chemistry where his interest in undergraduate education, his enthusiasm for students and his commitment to the inclusion of individualized and original laboratory experiences led to the development of a program which was acknowledged to be the most successful one in the country for the quality the laboratory experience provided. This program was supported by the National Science Foundation as part of the national effort to encourage undergraduate research. In 1967, he served a one year appointment with The National Science Foundation as a faculty consultant, due in large part to their recognition of his abilities to interact with students, enabling them to grasp complex scientific concepts. In 1968, Romary accepted the offer of Department Chairman at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. At UW-W he was active in encouraging new curriculum designs focused on the basic needs of a wide variety of students. His curriculum hallmark may have been to assure students receive the essential level of content and rigor without discouraging or intimidating them. He believed that not all students who needed a background in chemistry were preparing to become graduate students in theoretical chemistry. Recognition of this approach and the success of the UW-W program led to Romary's being appointed to the Governor's Commission on Higher Education for the State of Wisconsin. He remained at UW-W until 1993. In retirement he returned to Topeka and has remained supportive of both Washburn University and the Topeka community. His integral contributions include the renovations of White Concert Hall, Mulvane Art Museum and Stoffer Science Hall. He has been a long time supporter of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and KTWU television station.

Mr. Howard Shuler served Auburn-Washburn schools for 19 years from 1982 - 2001. After graduating from Missouri State University in 1961 with a BS Degree in Education, Shuler attended Pittsburg State University and earned his MS Degree in Educational Administration in 1964. After 2 years in an elementary classroom in St. Louis, he accepted a Principalship at a high school in Jasper, Missouri. In 1965 he was named Outstanding Young Administrator. From 1968-1970 Shuler served as Principal of Columbus High School. In 1970, he became Superintendent of Schools in Columbus. For 13 years he served that school system and community. He was President of the Southeast Kansas Athletic League in 1976. In 1977, he served as Chairperson of the Southeast Kansas Special Education Cooperative. In 1982, Shuler accepted the Superintendent position for Auburn-Washburn. Shuler led our district during a period that included a tremendous amount of student growth. The student population district-wide increased during his tenure, growing from 3,000 to over 5,000 students during his 19 years of leadership. The increased student population demanded that facilities continually be improved. The high school expansions included a state-of-the-art auditorium, a second gymnasium, many new classrooms, a brand new library, the all-weather track and the football stadium, new tennis courts and pavement of the student parking lot. During Shuler's tenure the staff of WRHS doubled and the teacher salaries and working conditions greatly improved, allowing the district to attract the best staff available for our students. Three bond issues were passed during Shuler's tenure, due in large part to his tireless efforts of convincing taxpayers that our students' education was an important investment. During Shuler's tenure the high school's athletic programs won 80 league championships and an additional 19 state championships. According to Shuler these successes occurred "because of very successful student-athletes who were coached by some very dedicated teachers." One staff member summed Shuler's philosophy up best by saying "Howard Shuler believed and demonstrated by his actions that EVERY student in the district was important and deserving of the best possible education that could be provided."