The main access drive to Kentwood High School in Covington is now officially Conqueror Avenue, after the school’s nickname, the Conquerors.
A student-led initiative in collaboration with the city of Covington led to the road off of 164th Avenue SE to enter the school getting the name, according to a June 20 Kent School District press release.
The city had a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 17 for the new sign at 25800 164th Ave. SE.
“It is not a public city street and had never had a name before,” said Karla Slate, city spokesperson, in a June 23 email. “Students brought forth the idea and request to name the access road and to make it official with a real street sign, so it had to be brought to the city which was done through the Youth Council and City Council. It was a fun way for the students to go through a civic engagement process to turn an idea into reality.”
Silas Coffee, who just graduated from Kentwood where he was president of the Associated Student Body (ASB), led the drive for a sign as a member of the city of Covington Youth Council.
“We are overjoyed that our ASB kids were able to pull this off,” said ASB Advisor Kayla Hanus. “Silas took this project head-on and did a really nice job. We are so excited that this project was able to be completed before our seniors graduated. We are so proud of them.”
The idea originated last year in discussions among Kentwood’s leadership teachers, who thought the school’s street deserved a more personalized identity, according to the district. When Coffee brought the idea to the Covington Youth Council, it gained momentum quickly. From there, Coffee and the Kentwood ASB team took the reins—developing a list of potential names and launching a student-wide poll. Conqueror Avenue was the clear winner.
Coffee presented the proposal to the Covington City Council in April.
“I learned that working with local government doesn’t have to be a long or intimidating process,” Coffee said in the press release. “The officials were excited to hear from a student, and they really wanted to help.”
Coffee hopes the project inspires other students to take on leadership roles and community initiatives.
“Don’t be afraid to speak in front of government officials,” he said. “They’re people, just like us, and they want to hear what students have to say.”
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The street sign marks the main entrance to Kentwood High School in Covington. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
