FOREST HILLS, Mich. — "I think it's pretty crazy just to see everyone in one class coming together like this," said Forest Hills Central High School senior Owen Ballou on Sunday surrounded by his classmates, each armed with a bit of paint and their own unique sense of self. "You don't see this often."
For Ballou and his fellow classmate, Connor DiLorenzo, the senior class painting their parking spaces at Forest Hills Central High School was a new and exciting opportunity.
From floral patterns to a seagull shouting "Mine!" seemingly in the style of Disney-Pixar's 2003 animated classic, Finding Nemo, students brought their own vision to their own space.
"Especially, you know, people's families coming out and helping, you know, it's not only just a senior class, but a community thing as well," DiLorenzo said.
He and seven others were set to paint their own spaces with scenes from the iconic cartoon series SpongeBob SquarePants.
But for these two seniors, it also holds a deeper message.
"A lot of people put their interests down on their parking spot," DiLorenzo said. "And, you know, it's a good way to kind of just get to know stuff about someone without even talking to them."
The existence of a deeper meaning behind the activity was a sentiment echoed by the school's principal.
"One of our visions here is making sure every student feels known and valued," said FHCHS Principal Jonathan Haga. "And so, it's another opportunity for our students to really show who they are and what they're about. And they're really out here in force, having a great time."
And, with the support of the parent-teacher organization and community Haga said helped make this year's painting possible, it's something future seniors may be able to look forward to for themselves.
"This is something we hope to continue to do well into the future, as every class should have an opportunity to really showcase their true identities and, you know, just have a great time together," Haga said.