25/03/2025
The 2025 Deja’ King Trunk Party
As we prepare for the final Deja’ King Trunk Party, we reflect on the past nine years of giving back to the community and celebrating the achievements of high school seniors heading to college. Since its inception, this initiative has provided dorm essentials to over 300 students, ensuring they start their college journey with the support they need.
Although the trunk party began as a way to celebrate the life of Deja’ King, it has now become a lasting tribute to her legacy. Through both her life and passing, a vision was born—to ensure that her name and impact remain in the hearts and minds of the community forever.
About Deja’ King
On July 19, 1997, Deja’ King was born a healthy 6lb 7oz baby. However, at just six months old, she was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis, a serious infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The prognosis for this condition is often poor, with statistics showing that 1 in 5 people who develop it do not survive.
Deja’ spent 16 days on a ventilator, 18 days in the hospital, and was given a life expectancy of just one year. As a result of the illness, she was left with multiple disabilities, including a seizure disorder, characteristics of cerebral palsy, and encephalitis. Medical professionals doubted she would exceed their expectations, but Deja’ was a fighter.
She graduated high school in May 2015 and continued her education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) until the age of 21. Although Deja’ was unable to attend college, her mother created the Deja’ King Trunk Party in her honor.
As we prepare to host this event one last time, we remain committed to Deja’s vision and legacy by providing 10 more deserving students with the dorm essentials they need to start their college journey.
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How to Apply
Application & Essay Submission Period: May 1st - May 10th
Winners Announced: May 31st
To apply, visit: DejaKingTrunkParty.com
Rules & Eligibility for the 2025 Deja’ King College Trunk Party:
1. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in the Class of 2025.
2. Applicant must submit a 500-word, double-spaced essay on the topic:
“Why I Should Be One of the Winners of the Deja’ King Trunk Party.”
3. The application must include:
• A college acceptance letter
• An official high school transcript
4. Students enlisting in the military or attending a community college do not qualify.
5. Recipients must be present at the event to receive their items.
6. All materials must be submitted via the website by 12:00 PM (noon) on Saturday, May 10th.
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As we celebrate this final trunk party, we invite the community to honor Deja’s memory by supporting students as they take their next steps toward a bright future.
Apply and be part of this unforgettable legacy !
