New at Air Academy this year, the senior parking lot has become a home for student creativity and artistry.

This year, seniors are now allowed to purchase one of the 93 parking spots in the senior lot for $50. Seniors purchased spots from Dean of Students Julie Attias after their desired paint designs had been approved and their applications had been turned in. Applications included a parent signature and payment.

“I wanted to come up with a way to ensure underclassmen weren’t parking there,” Attias said.

She noted that this issue of underclassmen parking in senior spots was a century-old issue causing confrontation between grades and senior frustration. Attias also explained how these spots could add to senior privilege.

“It’s kind of a little pride thing,” she added.

Spots were assigned on a first come, first served basis. For some seniors, this meant waking up at the crack of dawn to get their desired spot.

As for the consequences of parking in another student’s purchased spot, Attias explained the guidelines.

“(Security) will run the plates on that person’s car, pull them out of class….they’ll be given a warning and then the next time there will be further consequences,” said Attias.

Multiple days were given to seniors to paint their spots; students who didn’t paint received a capital R on their spot to acknowledge the spot had been purchased.

The senior lot now displays dozens of painted spots, each unique, many very elaborate and specific to the student.
Senior Cori Campbell helped shine light on why many students bought spots.

“I’m a very creative person and I love art so much,” Campbell said, “so I wanted to show that through my parking spot, and I want people to be like, ‘Oh, I wonder who did that one?’ and then know it was me.”

The parking spots have become much more than a resting place for cars, they have become a way for students to express themselves and a way to build pride.

Senior Bo Powers also points out the logistics of buying a spot.

“After lunch or when you are late you have a spot open for you, and you don’t have to worry about it,” he said.

There are various reasons why seniors bought spots, but one thing remains the same: these spots are reserved for that person and that person only.

This privilege is something for underclassmen to look forward to, as Attias has confirmed this tradition is “something new to Air Academy and it will continue.”