This metal mural was installed in 2023 just before the beginning of the school year. It was created by Kelly and Ty Tompkins of Hive Appeal, along with Wesley Spencer of SpenCo Metal Works.
The mural honors the life of Titus Kennedy, a student at Hayes who died suddenly in 2022 at the age of 5.
Kelly says the mural depicts scenes that are reminiscent of Titus and is meant to be a reminder of what he held dear.
“This mural is meant to be a bright welcome to the students and staff of Hayes Elementary each day and is a tribute to Titus Kennedy, a student who lived 5 ½ spirited and loving years full of excitement and hugs,” Tompkins said. “For his love of strawberries and all living things, there are 5 ½ strawberry blooms and 5 ½ ladybugs, with the 6th ladybug there, just partially out of view. Learning about Titus made me think of a hummingbird because of their speedy movements, and it happened to be his favorite bird. We hope everyone learns to love as much as Titus did.”
The metal mural adds a 3D look to it, and there is lighting to help the mural shine at night.
