Alpena High seniors get creative and paint parking lots before classes start | News, Sports, Jobs

This is the second year AHS has offered this opportunity to students. Not only is it a chance to secure a parking spot each day, but it is also a way for students to express themselves and start their day off right as they see their inspired designs each morning before class.

Fifty parking spaces were made available to seniors who filled out a Google form and paid the $50 fee to select their spot. All money raised at this event goes to the graduating class fund for various events throughout the school year and class supplies, such as materials for the Senior Lounge, event supplies, the Senior Planning Team, etc.

“I created this fundraiser to strengthen student culture and support the great things that happen at AHS for all students, but this opportunity is literally a way for a graduating student to leave their mark,” said AHS Principal Romeo Bourdage. “The funds raised will all go toward graduating students, so they are really giving back to themselves.”

Some of the paint was even donated by local businesses like Sherwin Williams, Fitzpatrick's Hardware, The Home Depot and others to help the seniors. All other materials and additional paint were purchased by the students for their seats.

News photo by Torianna Marasco. Mei Cook works in her parking lot on August 13.

Since there were hardly any limits on what the students could do, they were able to let their creativity run wild when designing their designs and choose what best suited their personality.

The seniors chose all sorts of designs that were personally relevant to them, be it something they do, something they enjoy, or something that inspires them.

“I'm drawing a sun in the night sky, something like a solar eclipse,” said Mei Cook. “I've always been interested in drawing suns.”

Other students were inspired by their jobs.

“I'm going to do a kind of guest check, like a slip of paper where they write their food order,” said Aili Lee. “My parents own a restaurant, so I think it's kind of fun since I work there as a waitress. At first I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I thought it was fun and meaningful for me.”

News photo by Torianna Marasco On Tuesday, a senior's parking lot was painted with smiley faces. The design is a lighthearted and fun way for students to see each morning as they arrive for class.

Another senior, Myah, explained that she wanted to make a collage of things that are important to her personally.

“I've been to the mountains because I like to explore, and I was just in the Rocky Mountains for ROV Worlds,” she said. “I have the surfboard because I like the beach, and the camera because I like to take pictures with my Polaroid.”

Others were inspired by their favorite movies, books, TV shows and musicians.

“I'm doing a Tangled theme,” said Katie Bushey, referring to the Disney film. “I really like the film and I also just like purple.”

Bushey's design depicts the lantern scene from the film, with a gold lantern trail in the purple sky, giving her a fun reminder of one of her favorite movies each morning.

Photo Courtesy: This courtesy photo shows an aerial view of the AHS parking lot.

Another parking lot on the property featured an adaptation of Taylor Swift's recent “Era's Tour” poster. The colorful spot depicts senior year and proclaims the “end of an era” as graduates prepare for their final year and what lies ahead in their next “era.”

Some students showed off fun designs like smiley faces, outdoor scenes, Christmas trees, and more. Be sure to stop by and see all the unique ideas the students came up with.

“The artwork is super creative,” Bourdage said. “It's great to see parents and children working together in a great space and really celebrating the start of senior year. I encourage the community to come by and witness the process of change.”

All spots must be painted by Monday, the first day of school.

Reach Torianna Marasco at 989-358-5686 or [email protected].

Photo courtesy of Alpena High. Seniors paint their parking spaces.

Courtesy of Myah and her friend Aili Lee painting their parking spaces that they placed next to each other. Myah planned a series of ideas for a collage, while Lee decided to draw inspiration from her job as a waitress.

News photo by Torianna Marasco. A painted parking lot features Taylor Swift's “Eras Tour” poster, which was seen Tuesday.

News photo by Torianna Marasco. Katie Bushey (left) clears her parking space with friends on August 13. Bushey was inspired by her favorite movie, “Tangled,” to decorate her parking space.

News photo by Torianna Marasco. Myah's parking lot dries on Tuesday. Each cordoned off section displays several of Myah's favorite things.

Courtesy of: An Alpena High senior paints her parking spot.

Courtesy of Photo Alpena High School graduates painting their parking spots on school property. This opportunity allows students to not only secure their parking spot for school each day, but also to express themselves.

News photo by Torianna Marasco. The parking lots at Alpena High School are freshly painted by the graduating classes.

News photo by Torianna Marasco. A senior parking lot painted with turtles is seen on the beach on Tuesday.