Medina High School seniors paint their parking spots while raising funds for the Medina County SPCA

MEDINA — Medina High School seniors carried on the tradition of painting their parking spot at school with a colorful design as a way to raise money for charity on Sunday. Laura Calaiacovo is a Spanish teacher and student council advisor at Medina High School. She said Medina started allowing seniors to paint their parking spot nine years ago. Students submit a design for their parking spot in the spring, she said. There were 109 spots available to be painted this year, and it sold out in 2.5 hours. "The first year we did it, I think we had 38 kids," Calaiacovo said. "Now it's become super popular." Students pay the typical $40 permit fee and an additional $20 to paint their spot, which goes to charity, she said. This year's recipient for the funding is the Medina County SPCA, and more than $2,000 will go to the organization. "I let them vote on a charity, and I keep all the money local," Calaiacovo said. "We've done nine different charities over the years." Since the event has gotten so large, it was made to be more of a community event this year, she said. Local businesses donated snacks and drinks, and student council put together raffle baskets to raise additional funds for charity. "It's a great way to kick off their senior year with their parents and their friends," Calaiacovo said. "It has a tailgate energy, and it's just a cool way for families to get together to kick off a fun senior year." She said the seniors have clever and unique designs, and they do an amazing job bringing their vision to life. "My big thing with student council and leadership is to take a positive risk and go do something fun," Calaiacovo said. "Maybe you're not an artist. So what? Anybody can paint something simple on a spot. Again, it's just a really fun way to say I'm a senior." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.