As the seniors of Wheeling Park High School enter their last school year here, they anticipate how they will make their final mark on the school. Whether it be academically, through sports, or in this case, literally. A tradition that sparked a few years ago has been a big event that underclassmen look forward to, but as it finally comes time for you to paint your spot, you are given the task to choose something.
Tori Canestraro is a miraculous student who has been a four-year student at Wheeling Park, and has been looking forward to and excited to paint her spot.
“I was excited since I had a lot of ideas, and so I was excited to see what I could make,” said Canestraro.
This project took place on Wheeling Parks’ most recent professional learning day. While underclassmen took the day to sleep in, senior students gathered their brushes, rollers, and a surplus of paint. All have a design in mind, while execution is still being worked out. Draw it out first? Paint on a base layer? Friends gather in collaboration, trying to make the most of the day, aiding in making their spots match their visions.
“My friends, Ella Wheeler, Kayley Stoehr, Owen Zheng, Nathan Cha, and my mom all chipped in to help me with my spot,” said Canestraro.
Every fall, seniors take their turns buying their parking spots, with the idea of making it unique to them. From sport-related designs to childhood movies, the possibilities become endless. The tradition has not only become a creative outlet, but also a way for the seniors to leave something behind in the place they spent so long in.
Molly George is also a remarkable senior at Wheeling Park. She was also a participant in painting her spot this year. She explained how she decided on the design she chose, and how it related to her four years.
“ I always knew I wanted to do a spot related to swimming, so I looked for inspiration on Pinterest, and when I saw the design, I knew it was the one,” said George.
Beyond creativity and personal expression, the painting of these spots has become a community event. Friends and family gather together to help the seniors paint their spots, adding to the overall energy and enthusiasm of the day. Teachers also take breaks from their time learning to peruse the back lot, watching their students paint. Parents watch from afar, friends work in the blazing sun, all to make their senior year even more memorable.
The tradition over the past few years of being established has made the parking lot a gallery that each year gets refreshed to tell the individual stories and experiences of the graduating class. Walking through the back lot once the spots are finished, it is incredible to see the dedication put into each spot.
As the year goes on, the painted spots are in place to serve as a daily reminder that the senior class of 2026 is leaving its mark on Wheelling Park High School, one bucket of paint at a time. And though the artwork will start to fade and be repainted over next year, the class of 2026 will not be forgotten.
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Best Senior Parking Spot
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