On Tuesday, November 19, the King’s Academy community paid tribute to His Majesty the late King Hussein bin Talal on the occasion of the 89^thanniversary of his birth. A 40^th generation direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad, he is the father of modern Jordan and a revered leader around the world. He initiated the first democratically elected parliament and successfully navigated the treacherous waters of the Middle East during his reign. A man of peace in an unsettled, often violent world, His Majesty provided stability, wisdom, and courage that continues to inspire Jordanians and provoke respect from world leaders.

On this day sacred to all Jordanians, the school devoted its school meeting to honoring the memory of this great leader and statesman. Entirely designed and delivered by King’s Academy students, the ceremony began with Mutie Bibars ’28 offering a speech in Arabic; he then introduced six students who presented poems, prose, and a song (all but one in Arabic). Sadeen Hassan '26, Hala Badran '26, Joud AlMajali '27, Leen Darawsheh '25, Omar Shokerat '26, Nada Tbayshat ‘27, Ibrahim Saedieen '27, Wateen Watamin '27 and Jumana Alnobani '26 all honored and praised the late King Hussein, speaking highly of his leadership, his ability to unite and connect with his people and of how he taught them what it truly means to serve one's country. They also emphasized that although they are too young to have known him, they feel that they have come to know him well from the stories their parents and grandparents have shared about him and the legacy he left behind. 

This was a solemn and joyous occasion, one that celebrated all that Jordan and all the world owe to King Hussein. May God bless his soul.