The Kent-Meridian (KM) High School community gathered recently for an emotional unveiling of a new mural titled “Forever a Royal,” created to honor KM Royals whose lives were lost unexpectedly. The mural, painted by students with support from staff and local artists, now stands as a permanent tribute on campus — a reflection of grief, unity, and enduring remembrance.
The gathering brought together students, educators, and city leaders who have walked alongside the school community through its recent tragedies. The event opened with quiet reflection before the mural was revealed, drawing tears, applause, and embraces from attendees.
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph spoke on the significance of the students’ work and the healing it represents.
“I am very, very grateful to the students for the gift of memory and unity that this mural will bring to both the school and the community,” she said.
The idea for the project emerged after the school faced multiple student losses late last year — moments that deeply affected the campus and surrounding community. In response, students united in symbolic gestures of support, including wearing orange ribbons to raise awareness about gun violence. That solidarity eventually led to the creation of the mural.
Student body president Kevin Cruz-Duenas expressed both pride and emotion while addressing the mural.
“I'm very excited that we were finally able to unveil our forever royal mural, that came from a couple of losses that we had late last year,” he said. “It really impacted not just our school, but our community. Our whole school came together… to honor them and to bring awareness to gun violence. That is really where this whole mural and this whole idea came from. I'm very happy with the outcome.”
Principal Radford also reflected on the students’ strength and collaboration.
“I think it's so wonderful that our students were able to come together and create a visual representation of how they feel about their classmates and remembering the important things that their classmates have done and how each classmate is still memorable for them,” he shared. “And I think the mural will speak to students from the past, and the present, and the future.”
The mural now serves not only as a tribute but as a message of hope, a reminder that the Royals who were lost remain woven into the fabric of the school.
The “Forever a Royal” mural will be accessible for viewing throughout the year, continuing its purpose as a place of reflection and remembrance for the Kent-Meridian community.