EHS Seniors Turn Parking Spot Tradition Into $3,750 Donation to Special Olympics

At Edwardsville High School, the Senior Parking Spot Painting project gives students a chance to express their personalities and school spirit while giving back to their school community.

For the third straight year, EHS seniors participated in the Senior Parking Spot Painting tradition. This year's event was the largest yet, with 150 students participating and raising $3,750 for the District 7 Special Olympics program.

For senior Cate Dorsey, this year's event was especially meaningful.

Dorsey has been part of the tradition since it began her freshman year, when her friend Luke Slater started the project. The following year, Aurora Wilhelm took the lead, with Dorsey serving on the committee and learning the ins and outs of organizing the event. At the end of her junior year, Dorsey took on the responsibility of organizing the project.

Dorsey coordinated communications, worked through logistics and reached out to Sherwin-Williams in Glen Carbon to secure a 20 percent discount on paint and supplies for participating students. What started with about 80 applicants grew to 150 this year.

"Getting to be part of the group from when it first started and then leading it this year really meant a lot to me," Dorsey said. "It was so special to see how much it has grown."

Students paid $25 to participate, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics. Dorsey said the organization has a special connection to the EHS community through programs and activities such as Unified Sports, basketball and the annual Polar Plunge.

"We just wanted the donations to go somewhere good that was still within the school community," Dorsey said. "It's something that's special to us here at EHS."

The painting weekend, held Aug. 22-23, brought students together with music, laughter, food and plenty of creativity. Some students even coordinated designs with friends in neighboring spaces.

The finished parking spaces have become a colorful part of the EHS landscape. Dorsey recalled seeing a young visitor from another school stop with his family after spotting a Spider-Man-themed parking space and ask to take a picture.

"I think it just brings a little bit of happiness going to school every morning," Dorsey said.

For Dorsey, the tradition is about more than decorating a parking space. It gives seniors a way to express themselves, create memories and contribute to something larger than themselves.

"I love how this project allows [students] to express themselves in a way that can be seen every day when they come to school," Dorsey said. "It allows seniors to form wonderful memories that they will remember for a very long time while doing good for others."

Dorsey recently presented the $3,750 donation to the District 7 Special Olympics program. She hopes the donation will help the program continue to grow, purchase equipment and provide new opportunities for students.

What began as a student-led project with 80 participants has grown to a 150-student tradition that combines creativity, school spirit and giving back.