On September 16, the senior class at Miami Lakes Educational Center took part in this year’s Senior Parking Lot Painting Event, where they had the opportunity to channel their inner Picasso.
On the bright, sunny Thursday morning, MLEC students gathered in the school’s parking lot with a plethora of paint colors; ranging from periwinkle purple to cotton candy pink to blazing blue. Students let their imaginations run wild as they began to decorate their designated parking spots.
For many seniors, this is a significant event and the pinnacle of their senior status. Painted parking spaces are only available to seniors, signaling that the Class of 2022 is finally earning its stripes.
“My senior parking spot is adorned with Tyler the Creator’s signature logo “Golf,” said Lizbeth Triana, a Communications senior. Tyler the Creator is someone I’ve been listening to for a long time, and I usually have his music blasting before I get to school, so why not pay tribute to him?”
“I believe that as we approach our final mark, which is graduation, we as a class become closer to one another. It’s a little sad that we’ll be leaving in a couple of months, but those little moments we’ve shared with each other will live on in our memories forever, so I guess it all works out in the end.”
The 9 AM-3 PM project provided a great opportunity for students to socialize and have fun with one another. Students were immersed in conversation and hearty laughs as they enjoyed each other’s company, with their paint buckets, brushes, and chalk by their sides.
“Although the senior painting project did not go as planned, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in my four years at MLEC. It was a time when our class came together to work on something artistically expressing who we are as individuals, it displayed our creative side. Despite the fact that I didn’t pay for a parking spot because I don’t have my license yet, I was assisting a friend in painting hers, which brought us closer together!” said Laura Castellanos, SGA Treasurer.
Unfortunately, it began to rain around noon, but MLEC did not let the weather dampen their spirits. The school intends to reschedule the event so that seniors can continue painting and finish their projects. For the time being, the date is still unknown, but keep an eye out for the rescheduled date during the morning announcements or the @mlecjaguars Instagram account.
“It was fascinating to see how diverse everyone was while still working on everything together and helping each other. Even if it did literally rain on their parade, it made me very excited for next year,” said Sophia Garcia, Class of 2023 Vice President.
If you want to participate in the Senior Parking Lot Painting Event next year, you must follow the specific design criteria. Any design must be pre-approved by the Activities department and must not include any offensive language, gang symbols, or double meanings. Students must also bring their own paint and supplies, and they must arrive early if they want to choose their preferred spot because it is first come, first served.
Some students have already decided on their design for next year and are excited to express themselves through their designated parking spots.
“I’m looking forward to painting a parking space next year! I’m excited to be able to do this with so many of my friends who drive and own cars. Even though I am not the most creative or artistic person, I know it will be a lot of fun. My parking space for next year will most likely be related to music or animation. I’m interested in anything based on K-POP, anime, an animated film, or a combination of all of those,” said Garcia.
Although the event did not go exactly as planned, it is just the start of the student activities that will take place throughout the school year, and for many students, it is a reminder of what life was like before the pandemic, as well as relief that they will be able to have a partly normal senior experience.
“It was an incredible experience, to say the least. This year’s events at the school have been excellent. I’m glad we can have a semi-normal year and make lots of memories even if things don’t go as planned,” said Castellanos.
