It’s a brand-new school year for Blanco High School seniors, who for the first time have parking spaces that they could paint as a way to express their individuality.

For one senior, who is working on his pilot’s license, the design in his parking space was a no-brainer.

With shades of blue and gray, an airplane in the center, Cole Meyer’s parking spot is his alone.

“We’ve been asking for a long time to have assigned parking spots, so I was glad when they decided to let us do this,” he said. “It was a lot of work but it was fun to get out there and see some friends.”

It’s a new senior tradition that’s appreciated by the Class of 2021.

“It gave us a chance to show what we like to do, and artistically,” Meyer said.

For Blanco High School’s principal, who is starting his first year with the district, whether to allow seniors to paint their parking spots was not among the difficult decisions he’s had to make so far in a school year that started on Monday.

“It’s a chance for our seniors to create memories, especially when we don’t know how the year will end,” said Patrick Hinson. “It’s been received pretty well.”

The plan came together quickly and was approved by Superintendent Clay Rosenbaum.

“We talked to seniors and gauged their interest, and they’ve been wanting to do something like this for a while because they’ve seen similar projects at the high schools in Burnet and Marble Falls. It really brightens up the parking lot.”

At least 45 seniors have taken part in the optional painting project. There is a $50 deposit, which will be returned at the end of the school year if students paint over the spaces, giving next year’s seniors a blank slate.

“As long as it’s a positive experience this year, we’ll continue to do it,” Hinson said.

Like Meyer, the principal also saw it as a bonding experience.

“Some of the kids spent hours out there, with their parents and younger siblings helping,” he said. “I think they did a really good job; it’s given me some insight into their artistic abilities, and what their interests are.”

The parking lot that once was varying shades of gray is now festooned with color, and it was about as much fun to do as it is to behold.

“We all just helped each other,” Meyer said.