Students entering their senior year at State College Area High School reported early to the north campus on Friday to personalize their parking spots — a first for the school.
Seniors who paid extra for the opportunity to showcase their individuality were allowed to pick out their spots on a first-come, first-served basis. The event, which ran from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., took place under idyllic blue skies and mild temperatures, except for a minor hiccup in the forecast that brought rain in the morning causing a delay of about an hour.
Principal Laura Tobias said that many schools across the nation have taken part in similar activities in the past and decided it would be a great morale booster for those entering their final year.
“Other schools participate in this activity, so why not us?” she said in a statement.
Of the 278 parking spots designated for seniors this year, more than 200 were reserved to be decorated. Classic Cones ice cream truck was on hand, courtesy of the school district, to offer free treats to those who were painting on Friday.
“We wanted to do something different and special for our seniors,” Tobias said. “We wanted to create a community and memories for their senior year.”
State College Area School District’s 2023-24 academic year begins on Tuesday.
