Though previously not allowed for various reasons, plans are underway for seniors to paint parking spaces.
“It came down to if this is something that the students want to do and it meets the requirements for the district, there’s not a reason not to,” Dr. Stephanie Bonneau, principal, said. “I’ve always thought [customized parking spots were] a really good emotional connection for the year to the school.”
Starting in September, seniors can paint their parking spot in the two rows facing the MAC in the back of the parking lot. Each spot costs $50 and must consist of red, silver, white or black, in order to relate to the school. After the student has customized the spot, the space is reserved for the student during the school day.
“It’s something to look forward to as a senior,” Dr. Bonneau said. “What some people may see as tacky, I always thought was super cool. When I walk into buildings [with painted parking spots], I would walk slowly and look at the parking spots and wonder ‘who is the person that parks here during the day?’”
Student council members will work with the senior class and campus administration to facilitate the initial painting days and cleanup of the spots at the end of the year. The $50 fee will be split between the senior class and student council. Half of the cost goes to cleaning the spots, while the other half will reduce the cost of prom tickets. With the change in policy, Senior Class President Andrew Hanes anticipates excitement throughout the classes.
“It’s something we’ve never done [before] and for all our underclassmen, it’s something to look forward to since we are allowing it this year,” Hanes said. “I know students are excited and once they learn about the spot location, [I think] more students will want to paint a parking spot.”
Though current seniors didn’t get to paint their spots before school started, Dr. Bonneau plans to host days in the summer for future seniors to paint the spots. Seniors will receive more information at the senior class meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. on Aug. 24 in Legacy’s cafeteria.
“[The spots] will require some supervision, like if someone were to park in the spot, and it needs to be cleaned each year,” Dr. Bonneau said. “It is a privilege for seniors, something to look forward to, and it can help to create a sense of school spirit. It also allows seniors to express something about themselves on the spot.”
