Episode 312: Paint & Park Project at West Jordan High Funding Fun Student Activities

Katie:

It was very intimidating. I was not used to painting something this big. I've never done it before.

Anthony Godfrey:

Yeah, doing it at scale is a little bit more difficult, I would guess.

Katie:

Yeah, 100 percent.

James Myers:

What's awesome about this specific fundraiser is that we're going to be using all the funds specifically for this fundraiser, for the senior class.

Anthony Godfrey:

Hello and welcome to the Supercast. I'm your host, Superintendent Anthony Godfrey. It is an impressive sight to see in the student parking lot at West Jordan High School. On this episode of the Supercast, find out how a paint and park project is raising money for senior class activities throughout the school year. It's a project where some students were able to paint and personalize their parking stalls in creative works of art you simply have to see to believe.

Anthony Godfrey:

We are here at West Jordan High School with one of the student government advisors. Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about how these parking spots came to be.

James Myers:

Alright, so my name is James Myers. I've been an educator here at West Jordan High School for almost nine years. Student government for the last five and with the senior painting and park, this idea, it's been about half a year in the making. So what had happened was that Principal Hutch, over winter break, he had shown me this picture of some kids that have painted their parking spots. And for charity season, one of the activities that we do is that we actually will sell parking spots to the students and they get to have that spot for the rest of the year. And so Principal Hutch sent me this picture of some students that have painted their parking spot and said, "Hey, wouldn't this be cool if we did this for our students?"

Anthony Godfrey:

So these were pictures from another school?

James Myers:

Yeah, from another school.

Anthony Godfrey:

Yeah.

James Myers:

That got me thinking, because you can’t really do that during the winter because you’ve the the snow and the ice against you.

Anthony Godfrey:

Sure.

James Myers:

What if we figured out a way to actually take advantage of the summer and actually do this during the summer? And so I started doing some research, looking around, seeing what other schools were doing. And it really, really picked up, I guess, in May. And then over the summer, I was just working on getting the designs from the students, seeing who all was interested. We started off with 47 spots over here. It was going to be 48, but we didn't take into account that light post over there.

Anthony Godfrey:

Darn light post.

James Myers:

Oh, I know.

Anthony Godfrey:

And you call it the senior paint and park?

James Myers:

Yeah, the senior paint and park.

Anthony Godfrey:

That's better than park and wait by a long shot.

James Myers:

Oh, it definitely is. And it's much nicer to look at, too.

Anthony Godfrey:

So you decided there were 47 spots available. And how did you decide who was going to be able to access these particular spots?

James Myers:

That was a little difficult to figure out at first. But in the end, what we decided was that we sent out a mass email, multiple emails , out to the seniors and also sent out on social media to see who was interested. We had a form that they could fill out and such. And in the end, we said, OK, you need to send a confirmation saying that you're indeed interested in order to get one of these 47 spots. And you also have to submit your design for approval or to receive feedback, at least. And so of the first 47 students that both sent in their confirmation and their design so that we could actually start to review it and make sure that it would meet our standards. Once they were able to do that, they were on the list. And we quickly got our 47. And I think we ended up still having like another 40 that we're still contacting wanting to be involved.

Anthony Godfrey:

So did you take the first 47 or was it based on the designs or how exactly did you decide?

James Myers:

The first 47.

Anthony Godfrey:

Yeah.

James Myers:

These students, they're smart. They have a pretty good idea of what's going to get approved and what would instantly get rejected.

Anthony Godfrey:

Were there any duplicate designs or did everyone have their own idea?

James Myers:

We had two. We had two. Apparently Red Bull is very popular.

Anthony Godfrey:

It gives you wings, I hear.

James Myers:

I have heard that as well. And I reached out to them and I went, hey, you know you're doing the same design. And they went, yeah, we both know.

Anthony Godfrey:

So we have two Red Bull designs out there.

James Myers:

We have two Red Bull designs out there.

Anthony Godfrey:

Have the people at Red Bull been contacted? They ought to be sending you a swag of some kind.

James Myers:

I know. That would be amazing.

Anthony Godfrey:

All right. That's the next step. That's the next step in this. See what you can raise for charity. What's being done with the funds that you raise? How are you going to use those?

James Myers:

What's awesome about this specific fundraiser is that we're going to be using all the funds specifically for this fundraiser for the senior class. So the seniors that paint it, they will get to reap the rewards of their actions. So we're going to make sure to use it for like the senior dinner dance, senior sunset, senior sunrise, and other activities like that that we love to put on for our seniors.

Anthony Godfrey:

What do you think this has meant to the students to get to personalize a spot during their senior year?

James Myers:

Oh, for one, it was just exciting to see them all before the school year started and just seeing them be so excited for this, their last year of high school. And they were just talking and hanging out and having so much fun. We had music going on and everything. And just being able to leave a part of themselves out here for everyone to see, I think that was just something really special. And it was just wonderful to be a part of it.

Anthony Godfrey:

That's awesome. Well, I can't wait to see them in person. Photos and the videos are what drew me here because they just, it looks fantastic.

James Myers:

Yeah. We were able to get some awesome drone footage from one of the parents of one of the students. He was also a resource officer over here, Officer Gray. So Detective Gray, he was actually the one that got all that footage of the drone.

Anthony Godfrey:

Oh, cool. I do hear it's caused some problems though, because other schools are now getting pressure to do the same thing because you guys are setting a trend. And other principals are saying, hey, now everyone wants us to do it as well. So you may see this spread to other schools next year.

James Myers:

I would be, I'm looking forward to it because there's just so many creative ideas out there and I want to see them painted. And I just hope that they all share their pictures as well.

Anthony Godfrey:

That's exciting. Now, from a technical standpoint, tell me what type of paint you use because when I first saw this, I thought, well, the first rain, we're going to be in trouble. So does the paint come off eventually or are these seniors now, they'll be able to come back when their children attend West Jordan High and park in their spot?

James Myers:

Oh, if that's the case, we're going to be running out of parking space.

Anthony Godfrey:

Yes. Yes.

James Myers:

So I went to Home Depot to get our paint. Got the cheapest stuff that they had. I mean, it was still like twenty twenty-five dollars a gallon of paint.

Anthony Godfrey:

Yeah.

James Myers:

Yeah. Except for the white paint. I was able to get the five-gallon buckets of that. So, you know, bulk paint a little bit cheaper there. We probably went through 90 gallons of this house paint. So it's house interior paint. It is washable when it's wet and you can wipe it clean. OK, at least that's what it says on the can. And so we're hoping that it will last, you know, through most of the school year. I am really interested to see what will happen come winter once all the elements and you got the rock salt and the ice scraping and everything.

Anthony Godfrey:

Sure.

James Myers:

And the plan, I guess, for next year, we're going to have to do some testing because, you know, this is the first time that we're trying this out here.

Anthony Godfrey:

Yeah.

James Myers:

With our climate would be to get some pressure washers out here to see just how effective that would be for removing it if we need to put on another base coat.

Anthony Godfrey:

But yeah, you can always paint over it.

James Myers:

Yeah, we can always paint over it.

Anthony Godfrey:

Yeah. OK. Well, it's really exciting. It's a creative and fun way for people to feel a greater connection to their school and to raise money. Yeah. So congratulations on blazing the trail here in Jordan.

Thank you. Stay with us when we come back more with the students at West Jordan High School who got to paint a parking spot just for them.

Male Voice:

Never miss an episode of the Supercast by liking and subscribing on your favorite podcasting platform. Find transcripts for this episode and others at supercast.jordandistrict.org.

Sandy Riesgraf:

Are you looking for a job right now, looking to work in a fun and supportive environment with great pay and a rewarding career? Jordan School District is hiring. We're currently filling full and part-time positions. You can work and make a difference in young lives and education as a classroom assistant or a substitute teacher. Apply to work in one of our school cafeterias where our lunch staff serves up big smiles with great food every day. We're also looking to hire custodians and bus drivers. In Jordan School District, we like to say people come for the job and enjoy the adventure. Apply today at employment.jordandistrict.org.

Anthony Godfrey:

We're talking now with Jada and we're walking over to her spot. Jada, introduce yourself.

Jada:

Hi guys, I'm Jada. I go to West Jordan High School.

Anthony Godfrey:

And tell us about your spot before we get to come see it.

Jada:

Yeah, so it's a pretty detailed spot. I'd say it has a little sun. It's kind of ocean themed. Definitely more of an abstract ocean. It's not really realistic. And if I had more time, it would have been a lot more detailed. But four days seems like a lot. But when it gets down to it, it's definitely not enough time.

Anthony Godfrey:

It's actually a lot of space as I approach the parking space. It seems just right for the car, but it's a very large canvas for you to be painting on.

Jada:

Definitely. It's a lot more than I expected personally. I came in with a huge idea. I was like, yeah, this is going to take like maybe 13, 14 hours. Definitely not 13, 14 hours.

Anthony Godfrey:

A lot more than that.

Jada:

Yeah.

Anthony Godfrey:

All right. And your car is actually parked there. So while we walk up, how great is it to have your own reserved spot and not be watching for a spot and all of that?

Jada:

Oh my gosh, I can't even explain. Last year I was half online, so I was kind of fighting for a spot to come for my second period or my third period. Because we have so many kids going to the school and kind of a smaller parking spot, I'd say. I mean, it's pretty big. But this year, you know, I can just I'm a senior. So I have like two classes at the high school and then two classes at JATC. So I can just come here and you know, I'd have to worry about finding a spot. It's genuinely just a relief.

Anthony Godfrey:

And you're right by the light post. This is great. And I can only see the edges because your car is parked there, but I see Jaded 2026 there at the front. That's fantastic. And the edges look really cool. I love the color combinations, but I can't wait to see the whole thing. So we'll let you pull out and then let's talk about the let's talk about your design.

Jada:

For sure. Let's do it.

Anthony Godfrey:

All right. It is a little dirty, as you said. But I love this.

Jada:

Thank you.

Anthony Godfrey:

So why don't you describe this for those who are listening?

Jada:

Yeah, for sure. So it's a lot of colors here. We got light purples, dark purples, light blues, dark blues, a light green. We have a little gradient supposed to look like the ocean, which will move up into some like more abstract-looking waves into a little sunset. Then it goes up into a sky. It's a lot of a lot of details here.

Anthony Godfrey:

the waves are very curly. They look almost like tentacles coming up out of the ocean. And you've combined pink and purple and sky blue and cerulean and blue, navy blue and violet. It's just all these great colors in these patterns. And then the sun, the rays of the sun really are more like flames.

Jada:

Yeah.

Anthony Godfrey:

I think it looks fantastic.

Jada:

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Anthony Godfrey:

And you've got the gradient color, almost an hombre sort of look to the sun as well. How did you do that with house paint? That looks really difficult.

Jada:

I've been in art since like third grade. I've been doing I've been painting my whole life. It's not that hard. You just take a roller. You get like your orange and your red. I use orange and red on that sun up there and then a light blue and a dark blue. You get a roller. You pour a lot more than you think because you need it wet. You pour that on there. You start rolling until you're satisfied and eventually it'll blend together nice.

Anthony Godfrey:

That was my next question. Looking at this, how long have you been interested in art and producing art? Because it's obvious this was not your first masterpiece.

Jada:

I love art. It's such a good way to express yourself when you don't have the words for it. I've been doing art. I've been taking art classes since I was like, well, I mean, elementary school, of course, but I took it serious starting in seventh grade. I was doing ceramics, painting, drawing. I'm in sculpture right now.

Anthony Godfrey:

It's a shame that it's not permanent, but at least you get it for the whole year and it's very, very well done. Very compelling. The color combinations, the design. Bravo. Great job.

Jada:

I appreciate it. I will say it wasn't just me. Definitely. I had a bunch of people come out. My family members, my grandma, my grandpa, my uncle, one of my best friends. She paid her spot. She helped me. So if any upcoming seniors want to come and do this next year, I recommend bringing people. It's a good time to hang out with friends and to get time to paint. But just bring some friends along.

Anthony Godfrey:

OK. Fantastic. Thank you very much. We're talking now with Liam about his parking spot. Liam, this is instantly recognizable for someone who came from the nineteen hundreds like I did. Tell us about your Van Halen parking spot design.

Liam:

Yeah, I just really took inspiration from the album, The Best of Both Worlds. I really enjoyed it. So I just did the spot.

Anthony Godfrey:

I think it's so awesome. This is 80s guitar pattern with the black and white stripes scattered across a red background. I just I can hear the guitar licks as I look at your parking spot. Now tell me, the lines always look random and somehow these lines look exactly like the guitar. Is this patterned after a part of the guitar or do you just did you just know how to channel the look of Eddie's guitar?

Liam:

Well, we actually took a long time analyzing and trying to figure out where to put the tape and stuff. So it turned out pretty nice.

Anthony Godfrey:

For those who don't know, it's its crisscrossing lines in especially in the bottom three quarters of the parking spot. And it's wider lines, more narrow lines, black and white lines on the red background, just like Eddie Van Halen's guitar of Van Halen.Best of Both Worlds is your favorite album.

Liam:

Yes.

Anthony Godfrey:

Tell me, why is that your favorite album?

Liam:

Pretty much if you hear good Van Halen song, it's probably going to be on that album.

Anthony Godfrey:

Yeah, that's true. That's true. That is a great album. I like 1984 as well myself, but I was around for 1984. I was, you know, a young man at that time. So I'm impressed at your appreciation for Van Halen. Is that your main focus musically or are there other bands that you like as well?

Liam:

I don't know. I enjoy a lot of rock, but Van Halen's a pretty good one. One of the main ones, if you ask me.

Anthony Godfrey:

Well, this is an epic parking spot and I think Eddie would be proud. This is it's clear that you analyze things and took this very seriously. Are you pretty proud of your design and the outcome?

Liam:

Oh, yeah, it was real fun to do. Me and my buddies were so proud of it. When we were painting it, we actually pulled out a grill and had a barbecue right along here.

Anthony Godfrey:

Oh, that's awesome. Great memories as well. That's fantastic. And I think you got the closest spot of anyone. How did that happen?

Liam:

Oh, I don't know. It just happened by sheer chance. When I got here, there was already quite a few people here, but I this one was originally actually taken. So I took the one right next to it. But I guess someone changed their mind and left that spot open for me to snatch up.

Anthony Godfrey:

Well, things have aligned very nicely for you. The lines have aligned very well. But the fact that you were able to get this parking spot and a design that you can be proud of. Very impressive. This one's going to stick with me. In fact, I'm taking a picture to show my friend who's a huge Van Halen fan. He's going to appreciate this. Well done, sir. All right. We're talking now with Katie right in front of her parking spot here at West Jordan High School. Katie, describe for the folks listening what we see here.

Katie:

OK, so for my parking spot, the tire spot is blue and in the middle of it is a cat that I painted to look like mine with big empty eyes. This is very important. And I added text that says “no empty head thought” because this is based off my cat who has no thoughts behind her eyes. Just none whatsoever.

Anthony Godfrey:

Well, that's better than a scheming cat. Some cats when they do have thoughts behind their eyes, they're evil thoughts. So it's good to have a cat with a you know, with a with a with a blank brain.

Katie:

Yeah, yeah, definitely.

Anthony Godfrey:

So what's your cat's name?

Katie:

Her name is Luna.

Anthony Godfrey:

Luna. And what kind of cat is Luna?

Katie:

I'm not sure. We just got her at the shelter.

Anthony Godfrey:

She's a black and white cat.

Katie:

Yeah, she is a black and white cat and she has like some brown spots. So.

Anthony Godfrey:

How old is Luna?

Katie:

I say she's about 14.

Anthony Godfrey:

Have you brought —14 years old? Wow!

Katie:

Yeah, she's pretty old.

Anthony Godfrey:

So you you are honoring your elders here.

Katie:

I am. Yeah.

Anthony Godfrey:

Tell me, has Luna seen the parking spot?

Katie:

I don't think so. I've been tempted to bring her before.

Anthony Godfrey:

I think Luna will connect with this parking spot. It's very beautifully done. Very nice design. Have you been interested in art for a long time?

Katie:

Oh, yeah.

Anthony Godfrey:

Tell me about that.

Katie:

It's something I've been doing for a long time. There's just like sketches, paintings, I mainly do watercolors. It's just something I like to do my free time.

Anthony Godfrey:

And how did it feel to paint something this large and out in the open? It was open air as the artist used to say.

Katie:

It was very intimidating. I was not used to painting something this big. I've never done it before.

Anthony Godfrey:

Yeah, doing it at scale is a little bit more difficult, I would guess.

Katie:

Yeah, 100 percent.

Anthony Godfrey:

I love how the hair just kind of curls up at the sides and she looks very fluffy.

Katie:

Oh, she is very funny, but she's also very fat. So.

Anthony Godfrey:

Well, now that you say that, I can kind of see that too. So you've really captured the spirit of Luna.

Katie:

Yes, I have.

Anthony Godfrey:

And I do see the brown on top of this.

Katie:

Yeah.

Anthony Godfrey:

So I noticed it when I first came over. It's you painted the cat black, but then you put the brown tones over it.

Katie:

Yeah.

Anthony Godfrey:

Tell me about that. Was that difficult with house paint?

Katie:

Not really. So I did something called dry brushing, which is when you get a paintbrush and you put paint on it, you wipe most of the paint off and then you just kind of just paint it on. And it gives you that look that you're going for where you have some color on it, but it's not like overpowering the color underneath.

Anthony Godfrey:

And is the uneven white right in between the eyes kind of matching the pattern?

Katie:

Yes.

Anthony Godfrey:

I can see that was pretty intentional right there.

Katie:

It was.

Anthony Godfrey:

That was not haphazard.

Katie:

No, no, no. That was intentional. That's the markings on her face.

Anthony Godfrey:

Luna. Well, I think Luna needs to see it. I think that's the next step.

Katie:

I agree.

Anthony Godfrey:

Luna needs to experience it and take a picture of Luna with it. Yes. I mean, she's 14. She is 14. You need to make the most of these moments.

Katie:

I do. I do.

Anthony Godfrey:

And I just noticed that you have a cat on your shirt as well.

Katie:

I do. Yeah.

Anthony Godfrey:

Is Luna your only cat?

Katie:

No, I have two other cats.

Anthony Godfrey:

Do the other two cats feel bad that they are not painted in the parking spot?

Katie:

Well, I haven't told them, but they're not my cats. They don't like me very much.

Anthony Godfrey:

So they got what they deserve. They don't deserve to be in this parking spot.

Katie:

No, they don't. They don't come say hi. My cat does.

Anthony Godfrey:

They live in your home and yet they treat you this way.

Katie:

Yeah, exactly.

Anthony Godfrey:

Well, that's for another parking spot, another time.

Katie:

Yep.

Anthony Godfrey:

Okay. But I'm glad you told the happy story of Luna instead.

Katie:

Yes.

Anthony Godfrey:

Thanks for joining us on another episode of the Supercast. Remember, “Education is the most important thing you will do today!” We'll see you out there.

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