In late May 2024, upperclassmen received a survey to collect interest about a few upcoming events provided by the Student Council Association (SCA) and the new principal, David Ferguson. One of the ideas presented from the survey was the opportunity for seniors to paint their designated parking spots. After silence from the SCA and Ferguson, seniors have been wondering what the current standing is.
Painting parking spots has become a popular opportunity for seniors across the nation. It allows students to express themselves and take pride in their parking spots. So what is holding FHS back? The SCA took it upon themselves to make this change.
Originally, painting parking spots was never allowed by Fauquier County Public Schools. After speaking with school board member, Steve Lewis, senior Ashleigh Prudhum wanted a change. “I sent him an email, stating what was going on [in regards to painting parking spots]. They stated that it has been verified, we are allowed to do it and it’s up to our principal now,” explained Prudhum. This new idea was brought up by Senior Class President, Kenza Chienku as well. “We wanted to do it last year, but due to some circumstances, we couldn’t finish the plan all the way through. We tried to get it on for next year and I talked to [Superintendent] Major Warner about it. He asked what we wanted for the upcoming school year and said it was up to the new principal,” stated Chienku. After approval from the school board, Ferguson needed to see the students’ interest in painting the parking spots before he would give the approval. Upperclassmen received the previously mentioned interest survey shortly after this meeting to which SCA presented this new idea to students. After an overwhelmingly positive response from students, it was time to put this plan into place.
Over the past summer, SCA members worked diligently to prepare a presentation of the resources and data collected. “We actually called other school divisions that have the painted spots to get all of our research. Tell me your process, tell me how much it costs, tell me what your parameters are, what your guidelines are. We had everything and the students put that in there,” explained SCA sponsor, Michelle Green. Other Fauquier County high schools heard about FHS’s attempts to make painting parking spots happen and requested our information and presentation. After the show of interest from not only students and the SCA but other schools as well, the FHS administration knew this needed to happen.
There has been a lot of thought put into this decision by Ferguson. Although it seems like an easy decision, there are many different components to this new addition to FHS’ traditions. “I met and talked with the other high school principals to get their decision. It was kicked back to what are the criteria right now for what can you guys paint on there,” stated Ferguson. After ultimately deciding what would be appropriate for students to paint on their spots, Ferguson came up with a possible solution: “I think we are really just looking at a few categories. Potentially what colleges you want to go to, what your future career could be or something Falcon-related.” Ferguson understands the want to paint whatever students desire but states that FHS’s parking spots are still a public space that is Fauquier County’s property. “I think that allows us to give you guys what you want it to be. You will still submit what that drawing [of the parking spot] will look like and that’s what you have to do,” Ferguson explains. The last component that was setting this plan back was the cost of the repainting process. “The last thing I am trying to do is find is what paint we would need to paint back over, what that cost is and what the criteria is,” stated Ferguson. This repainting process would require students to pay an extra fee when purchasing the parking spots.
After a long process of finding the right information, Ferguson is almost to the point of official approval to start painting. “We want to get it done before it gets cold, it’s just the matter of me getting some information as well,” says Ferguson. This idea is considered a great opportunity for all; students, staff and administration. “I think they should be able to. Absolutely. If they stay within the parameters and the rules and it’s something appropriate, I say it’s a great memory for them,” says Green. Prudum continues this idea, stating, “I don’t know why he would say no. I feel like it’s fun. If they have the funds figured out, I don’t know why [we] can’t do it.” Ferguson promises to keep seniors updated on this exciting new edition to FHS parking lots.
