It’s the time of the year again when the senior class paints the spirit rock. The rock is currently painted red, and the 2024 seniors painted their names and messages on it. Now the class of 2025 has given it a face lift!
The tradition of painting the spirit rock came back in 2021 when the class of 2022 started the tradition. The tradition started in the 1950-60s and was brought back to Saint Louis. These traditions are important to students as they often are associated with the full senior experience, such as the senior prank and the senior all night party.
Senior Alex Tatroe’s feelings on being in the senior class is, “Time has flown by and I didn’t even notice. I’ve changed so much throughout the time I have attended SLHS but also despite everything, it’s still me. Being in the shark tank is being involved in a community who is ready to include you and get you the future you want. Knowing it’s my last year here is bittersweet. I’m ready to move onto bigger and better things but also I’m going to miss the teachers who helped me get to this point in the first place.”
However, the honor of painting the rock brings a mix of emotions. Being in the class with the turn to paint the rock can make a student feel like he or she finally made it. It’s the year students graduate and he or she sees the finish line. At the same time, it could be complicated as school has been a part of his or her life for years. This year senior Kaya Munoz had the honor of painting the rock.
Munoz says, “It’s a very complete feeling. After years of watching the rock being painted by the other senior classes, it’s as if everything’s finally come full circle for our class.” In a sense, painting the rock means the class has come full circle. The class made it to the end and it’s time to go make a life outside of school.
Traditions such as these are held up for years as a way to honor the past, connect the students, and add a fun spin on the students’ last months of school.
