Students at King Intermediate School in Kane'ohe will return this week to find a new mural painted on one wall of their school gym.

Local artist Jeff Pagay started the work on Dec. 19 and along with assistant Laura Metzger, has been racing to finish the 40-by-40-foot painting in the less than three weeks students have been out of school.

Pagay said the mural is the biggest he's ever done.

The mural incorporates images of ancient Hawai'i with depictions of modern-day sports to communicate the message that the values of society have not changed, said Pagay, 43.

Pagay sketched out a design that incorporates the school's "Five R's" — respect, relationships, responsibility, resourcefulness and resilience.

The mural will become the centerpiece of a program to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The school was working on a limited budget, so Pagay said he set a price that would allow him to at least buy supplies and pay for help. Pagay said he undertook the project to motivate students with art and remind them of the positive aspects of life.

Pagay has been working more than 20 years as a freelance artist and has done several other murals at local schools, including his alma mater, Moanalua High School.