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Flash Forward Alumni Spotlight: Rodney King '97

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Flash Forward Alumni Spotlight: Rodney King '97
Web Banner with text Alumni Spotlight: Rodney King '97

A Passion Rediscovered: Rodney King's Journey from Student Artist to Community Storyteller

"Whatever your natural gift is, pursue it," he said. "Find something you already love to do and continue building on that."

Rodney King

Federal Way High School, Class of 1997
Artist, USPS Manager

For years, Rodney H. King set aside the creative passions he discovered as a student. 

Life moved quickly after graduation. There was military service, college coursework, a full-time career, and raising a family. Art became something he carried with him rather than something he actively pursued. 

Then the pandemic changed everything. 

Like many people, King found himself reflecting on what mattered most and what kind of legacy he wanted to leave behind. In those quiet moments, he found himself returning to something familiar: the creativity he had nurtured years earlier in Federal Way Public Schools. 

What began as a return to drawing soon became painting. Then came gallery shows, community exhibitions, and growing recognition throughout the Pacific Northwest. Today, the Federal Way High School Class of 1997 graduate is an accomplished artist whose work celebrates African American history, culture, and community while balancing a successful career as a station manager with the United States Postal Service. 

But before the exhibitions and recognition, there was a student discovering his voice. 

King moved to Federal Way as a middle school student and attended Sacajawea Middle School, Totem Middle School (now Evergreen), Thomas Jefferson High School, and Federal Way High School. Like many students navigating a new environment, finding a sense of belonging took time. 

"Over time, I found my community," King said. "The relationships I built and the people I met made a big difference." 

As he became more connected to the school community, King gravitated toward classes that allowed him to express himself creatively. Art and creative writing quickly became his favorite subjects, giving him opportunities to explore ideas, tell stories, and develop skills that would stay with him long after graduation. 

One teacher, in particular, left a lasting impact. 

"Ms. Ash has always been super supportive," King said. "She was somebody I could count on." 

Her encouragement extended beyond the classroom. Years later, as King considered writing a book and pursuing larger artistic projects, he found himself reconnecting with the teacher who had helped nurture his creativity as a student. 

After graduating from Federal Way High School, King enlisted in the Marine Corps alongside two of his closest friends. During his five years of service, he developed the discipline, perseverance, and leadership skills that continue to guide him today. 

Following his military service, King attended Highline College while working full time and raising a young family. As family responsibilities grew, he focused on building a stable career with the United States Postal Service, where he has spent more than two decades. For many years, art remained in the background.

In 2020, the pandemic gave King enough pause to reflect and pour into a childhood passion. Determined to reconnect with his creativity, King committed himself to creating every day. He woke up before work to draw, paint, and refine his skills. What started as a personal challenge soon became a daily habit. 

"I made sure every single day I was creating," he said. "Those daily reps helped me build a large body of work." 

The same persistence that helped him succeed in the military and his professional career fueled his artistic growth. Over time, his portfolio expanded, leading to opportunities to exhibit his work in galleries and museums across the region. 

His work is powerful because each painting tells a story. 

Drawing inspiration from African American history, cultural icons, personal memories, and community experiences, his work preserves moments that might otherwise be forgotten. Through bold imagery and storytelling, he invites viewers to reflect, learn, and connect. 

"The most rewarding part is seeing the joy on people's faces when they see the work," King said. "I love that it creates conversations and teaches people something at the same time." 

Looking back, King sees clear connections between the experiences he had as a student and the person he became. 

He credits FWPS' diverse learning environment with helping him understand different perspectives and build meaningful relationships with people from all backgrounds. Those experiences have proven valuable throughout his career, from leading teams at work to connecting with audiences through his art. 

For current Federal Way students who may be trying to figure out their future, King encourages them to pay attention to the interests and talents that come naturally. 

"Whatever your natural gift is, pursue it," he said. "Find something you already love to do and continue building on that." 

His own journey is proof that passions discovered in school can continue to grow long after graduation. 

The creative foundation King built in Federal Way classrooms never disappeared. It simply waited for the right moment to reemerge. 

Today, that foundation is helping him create art that inspires others, preserves stories, and leaves a lasting impact on the communities he serves. 

To read more alumni stories, visit www.fwps.org/AlumniSpotlight. 

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