This year, the administration assigned Morgan students to the auditorium side parking lot of the school. This is now “the student lot”. Students can no longer park in the lot near the tennis courts. Many students preferred to park in the lot near the tennis courts because, as the students described, it’s “an easy in, easy out” when arriving and leaving the school. Until the end of last year, students could use either lot. At the end of the year, they were required to park in the student parking lot, due to tournaments for tennis, as well as community members using the tennis courts during the day.
This year, more and more accidents have been happening in the parking lot right outside the school. As the year progresses, more students get their license, and are able to drive themselves to school. Students love to show off their driving skills and new cars in the parking lot, which most of the time leads to distractions, and car accidents.
Principal Keri Hagness stated that the parking lot issues have not been as bad this year. Mrs. Hagness said, “people need to realize that it is going to take some time to get out of the school’s lot. Put on some good music and relax.”
Mrs. Hagness also stated that students were told to park in the student lot because of the convenience for upper classmen classes. Teachers as well park where it is most convenient for them.
Some students feel uneasy when driving themselves to school, either when leaving the parking lot, or just watching other students pull into parking spots in the morning. Students also believe that there are not only issues with student drivers but also with the parent drivers.
Senior Gabbie Franco feels that the parking lot feels safer than last year, but the parents are the issue. She exclaims strongly that the parents are distracted by their own children and aren’t aware of new drivers on the road. Gabbie also said that she feels as though the students are better drivers than the parents, and something should be done about that.
Senior Gavin Gersz believes that students and parents need to calm down and realize that everyone is trying to get in and out of the same place. They need to learn to have patience.
Senior David Mantilia expressed his thoughts on the parking lot, referring to it as his “dojo,”. Because he has a love hate relationship with the lot. He said that some students don’t know how to drive or can’t park for that matter.
Senior Sophia Caprio said that the student lot is somewhat terrifying. She is afraid of getting into crashes with other students.
Junior Katie Ngyuen said that the parking lot is somewhat chaotic, and that the walk into school is too long, especially since it is getting back into the cold weather. Katie would appreciate it if the side doors to the school were open again in the morning., She also said that as a new driver, she appreciates how everyone is patient.
Junior Josephine Simon expressed that students are not aware of other people or cars when backing out of their spots.
All drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and have patience when driving through the lot.
