In the front rows of the DHS parking lot, color coats the pavement. Recreations of sunsets, Whataburger signs and fields of flowers, among other designs, all act as new parking spots for the Class of 2023. 

Painted parking spots, a long sought after tradition by former senior classes, was finally made a reality this year by the PTO. In partnership with the high school, the PTO organized forms for seniors to get their design approved and pay an additional fee at the start of the school year. 

“In planning, we researched how other high schools in the area handled reserved painting parking spots,” PTO Reporter Teri Houchin said. “We were able to develop a contract by using the other schools’ examples.” 

While this activity may seem new to current students, Houchin revealed that painted parking spots were a tradition for seniors when the high school was located at the current McCarroll Middle School campus. 

“When the new high school, our current high school, was opened, the painting didn’t continue. We have been working on bringing this tradition back to life for several years,” Houchin said. “Mr. Lackey and John Knowles, the maintenance director, were gracious enough to jump on board with the idea.”

Once the PTO got approval from Principal Lyle Lackey and the rest of the DHS admin team, the plan was placed into motion. On Aug. 28, students and their parents started the process of painting their parking spots.

“I loved getting to work on it with my mom and seeing other students and friends around me do theirs too,” senior Kaiya Read said. 

For their designs, seniors pulled inspiration from all sources. Read pulled from her favorite movie, Mamma Mia, while other students found inspiration from Pinterest, TV shows and games. 

“I did a sun with pinks, oranges, and yellows.” senior Kaylie Stacy said. “It was kind of difficult to get all the details lined out at first, but it all worked out in the end.”

For Lackey, this new tradition for the senior class reflects what he wants the school to be about: student contribution. 

“I’ve really wanted to build the culture of this school to be a student-driven school,” Lackey said. “I want my students to come to me with ideas… I want them to be proud of their school.”

A total of 60 seniors participated in the revived tradition, and each of their parking spots helped add originality to DHS. 

“When you drive up and see those parking spots it’s real creative, it’s real happy,” Lackey said. “I’ve had teachers comment on just how positive it’s made the school environment.”