Boy Scout's orca mural spruces up Meredith Hill Elementary

Meredith Hill Elementary recently received a new mural on the exterior wall of its gymnasium, thanks to Boy Scout and former Meredith Hill student Brendan Broomhead.

Broomhead, now a student at Thomas Jefferson High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 355, created a large 8-foot-by-20-foot mural for the school as part of his work toward becoming an Eagle Scout.

The scout was honored by Meredith Hill's principal, Cindy Kelsey, during Federal Way Public Schools board meeting on Nov. 13.

"In pursuit of the accomplishment of Eagle Scout, Brendan had to plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to a religious institution, school, or his community," Kelsey said. "It took several months of creating, planning and acquiring materials and support to perform this service project. After a very long weekend of work in early October, the project was nearly complete."

Kelsey continued, describing the happiness that Broomhead's project brought to the school.

"Upon arriving at school on Monday, Oct. 15, the Meredith Hill students were in awe as they viewed the incredible mural that Brendan created for us," she said. "The large, colorful mural displays the Meredith Hill mascot, the orca. The word 'orca' is written on the side, along with the four words that guide orcas every day at school. Orcas are respectful, responsible, caring, and safe. This beautiful mural is a reminder to all Meredith Hill students to uphold these goals daily as they interact with their peers during playtime."

Broomhead described his experience with the project, and what led him to create the mural for Meredith Hill.

"For my project, I decided to go down to my old elementary school. I asked if they wanted anything done there, and they said, 'We really want to get a mural up on this big, ugly wall we have,'" he said. "So I was like, OK, I guess I could do that."

The teen also noted that part of the project included painting the bottom surface of the mural's wall because there was graffiti all over it.

Contact Federal Way Mirror reporter Greg Allmain at gallmain@fedwaymirror.com or 253-925-5565 ext. 5054.

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