Fairfield High School seniors to paint own parking stalls

FAIRFIELD — New programs are in store for Fairfield High School’s senior class this year.

Fairfield High School Principal Aiddy Phomvisay said the school will allow seniors to decorate their own parking stalls in the senior parking lot south of the school.

“We owe it to our seniors because they’ve had three very challenging years of high school, including the tragedy and trauma of last year,” Phomvisay said.

Phomvisay addressed the senior class in the FHS auditorium on their first day of school, and set the tone for the whole school year. He said he wants the seniors to be leaders and mentors of younger students.

“We’re doing some extra things with the seniors, and one of those is they’ll have their own parking stall that they can design and personalize,” Phomvisay said. “They’re doing it as a fundraiser to make improvements to our school parking lot, and that will be their gift as the Class of 2023.”

Phomvisay said the seniors had to submit their designs to administrators for approval.

“If they’re in sports, they can paint their jersey number on the stall, or if they can do something that describes their personality,” Phomvisay said. “It gives them a sense of ownership. It’s another way of giving our students agency, and we expect them to help us enforce parking lot rules, and to treat it with respect.”

Phomvisay said the school plans to hold a grill out for the senior class on Thursday, Sept. 8, where they will finish painting their parking stalls.

Phomvisay said the high school is also starting a dance and yoga class in the gym before class. Gretchen Jentz, an associate at the school, has volunteered to lead it, and it will start at 7:30 a.m.

“We’re really excited, and this is one of our activities to help us physically and emotionally get ready for the day,” said Phomvisay. “We’re working hard to increase engagement, of finding ways to connect with students.”

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com