Highline High School continued the celebration of its 100th anniversary on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 with the unveiling of a student-created Centennial Mural, honoring a century of students, staff, and community members who have shaped the school since its founding in 1925.
The new mural was revealed in the school’s Commons as part of the annual CTE/Arts Showcase, an end-of-year event that features visual art, music, drama, film, and live performances by students.
The showcase ran from 3 to 7 p.m., drawing students, families, and alumni to celebrate Highline’s rich legacy and its future. Highline’s Mariachi Tesoro band played wonderful mariachi music before the big unveiling just after 5 p.m.
“This mural celebrates all of the amazing students, staff and community members who have made Highline such an amazing place since 1925,” organizers said in an invitation to the event.
The mural was a collaborative effort between students in the school’s advanced art classes, alumni, the Highline Heritage Museum, and faculty from various programs. Students compiled found objects from archival yearbooks, historical photos, and donated Pirates memorabilia to create a work that blends past and present.
“The biggest thing is that it’s so important to students,” Principal Clint Sallee told The B-Town Blog. “More than grades, more than anything, this was something they were passionate about, and something that will stay with the school beyond this year.”
Teachers noted that students worked up to the final moments to complete the project, showing a high level of dedication and pride. Highline’s Core Plus construction program also played a key role by building and installing the mural’s display frame, along with volunteers from the Highline Heritage Museum.
Together, the mural and showcase emphasized the schools continued investment in student voice and the arts, and its role as a hub of creativity in the Burien community.
Video
Below is a video of the mural unveiling as filmed and edited by Scott Schaefer (running time 3-minutes):
My former neighbor, Ella Dunbar Parks, whose family had a farm in Normandy Park told me many stories about growing up in the 1910s & 20nin what became Normandy Park. Her sister was in Highline’s 1st graduating class. Her older brother had one of the 1st cars and had to travel on the “High Line” to Seattle for high school (Des Moines Memorial Drive). Her great niece Jaimie Lingwood was in my Class of ‘75. But, that was long ago . . . when Ella reminisced of times gone by she told me that was “when the beaches were all open” and they would walk to “the Crow’s Nest” in Normandy Park to go to the Sound.
I was a teacher here for 14 years. I still feel this is my home as an educator. Highline is a special place. Well done Erin and team. So proud of you all.