What is a parking spot? For seniors at Liberty High School, it’s not just a patch of concrete—it’s a canvas. The tradition of painting senior parking spots, a long-standing practice at Liberty High, allows students to transform a simple space into a reflection of their personality.
It has been convenient for when the upperclassmen come in late or leave early for their attendance waivers and started as a way for seniors to save a spot solely for them. Then the tradition evolved, and now the white lines mark not just claimed spots, but the beginnings and ends of free canvases.
Overall seniors adore the tradition. Alex Rogers explains, “I think it’s pretty cool. I like how each person gets to have an individual spot that gets to represent them. I think it shows that the administrative staff cares about each senior as a singular individual.”
So, what does Rogers have painted on his spot? “The background is dark red, and it’s a funny little joke where it first says the German phrase “Kuntia das lasen” and then in French, “Pouvivoli si” and then in English at the bottom, “I can.”
While the specific meaning of Rogers’s spot might be lost on others, it’s a perfect example of how seniors use their spots to exhibit what they love. Many students paint their favorite hobbies, inside jokes, or personal interests to show off who they are
Max Bauer stated, “It shows a level of creativity. So, when they have their opportunity to express what they love and what they feel, it’s a good opportunity for them to also see what others love. I think it’s good to have it exclusive to seniors. It’s their last year. They’ve worked for four years, so I think they deserve to have something of their own that they’ve paid for.
Senior Mira Smith stated, “It’s based off my favorite song called Moonstruck by ENHYPEN! It has a moon in the center with buildings and stars with my name and best friend’s name written on the building!”
What makes painted spots special? Smith goes on to say, “I think senior parking spots are such a fun tradition, it allows students to express their artistic and creative abilities and really showcases things that are important to each senior or has impacted their lives. Even if it’s something like a childhood show that they loved, it shows the journey they took to get to this moment. I can look at someone’s parking spot and immediately tell a little bit of that person’s story”.
In a way, the senior parking spots have become the “Vogue” posters of the school—each one a personal statement, telling a story for all to see. It’s a tradition that future classes, including the classes of 2027, 2028 and 2029, are already planning for, ensuring this creative expression will continue for years to come.
