This year’s Potosi High School seniors may have kicked off a brand-new tradition, one that could give every future graduating class something to look forward to. For the first time ever, the Class of 2026 turned ordinary parking spots into colorful displays of creativity by painting their own senior spaces.
The idea didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Over the last few years, social media has made painting senior parking spots a trend across the country. At Potosi, senior class President Manhattyn Udelhofen said the inspiration also came from past Potosi seniors who had talked about how fun it would be for their class to try it. The Class of 2026 decided they weren’t going to let the opportunity pass them by.
They brought the plan to Mr. Uppena for approval at the end of July, and he loved it. Once they got the go-ahead, seniors paid for their own paint and supplies and were given the first week of August to finish their designs. “If you were to do it for [one] whole day, you could get it done, but you had a week to complete your parking spot,” Manhattyn explained.
The school had just two rules: the artwork needed to be school-appropriate, and the yellow parking lines had to remain clearly visible for events. Other than that, seniors were free to express themselves. From funny artwork to symbols of future careers, each spot became a mini mural representing its owner. Some seniors painted their spots based on inspiration pictures and modified their own version to match them. Others did it based on their favorite movie or favorite sports team. Some painted their favorite quotes and others included their jersey numbers. Most of the spots have the student’s name written across their spot. Each and every spot is unique to match each of the students' personalities.
For many students, the experience was about more than just a fresh coat of paint. “The seniors enjoyed painting their parking spots, and it was a lot of fun,” Manhattyn said. She also believes the tradition helps students show pride and individuality. “I think it’s a good way to show who you are as a person, and I hope the next year's class does it.”
Will painting senior parking spots become a long-lasting Potosi tradition? Manhattyn sure hopes so. “I think it was worth painting the senior spots because it was a really fun activity to do for your senior year,” she said.
Based on the excitement and the colorful parking lot left behind, the Class of 2026 may have just started something that future seniors won’t want to miss.