Van Buren HS Seniors Customizing Their Parking Spots This Weekend

A recent tradition continues at Van Buren High School Saturday as seniors get to paint their parking space for the school year.

Principal Katina Simmons said Senior Paint Day began about 10 years ago and represents the first school activity for a graduating class.

“Their families, aunts, uncles, grandparents and siblings can come out and help them paint, so it is just a great time for all of the folks in their lives that have helped them get to this point to help start the beginning of their senior year,” Simmons said.

Simmons said just over half of the graduating class will be participating this year. The largest student count to date that will paint their parking spots. Simmons said students get creative and incorporate sports, FFA and some of their favorite fictional characters.

“It didn’t start under my administration,” Simmons said. “Our first event it turned out wonderfully, then from that point on it turned into a tradition. Our seniors just really look forward to it.”

Simmons said the parking lot is located between the CTE building and the high school. Simmons said the community often times come out to view the work. Simmons said even lower classmen use the time to get ideas for their senior year.

“They get to see those as they are watching through the parking lot between classes,” Simmons said. “Even freshmen, you hear them already talking about when they become a senior and what they will do with their parking lot. By the time they are seniors, they usually have it figured out.”

Only a certain type of paint can be used that is water soluble.