Thanks is expressed by parking lot painting project backers, from left, Benjamin "Ben" Fong, senior class president, Stephen Claire, school principal, Bob Thompson, superintendent of Merrimack schools, Nicole Soucie, class co-advisor and special education teacher, and Bea Choiniere, class co-advisor and a math teacher. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

MERRIMACK – Searching over the river and through the woods just didn’t cut it when incoming seniors of the Class of 2027 searched for parking among 122 available rectangles scribed in white paint on the pavement of the main parking lot at Merrimack High School on McElwain Street.

Now, as of Aug. 26, participating seniors have a guaranteed space, paid for with a $50 donation to the senior class activity fund and painted to suit.

“I was so happy that we were able to make this idea come to light, as our team worked tirelessly to continue this project and win approval,” said Benjamin “Ben” Fong, senior class president.

“I want to thank School Superintendent Bob Thompson, Merrimack High Principal Stephen Claire and the Merrimack School Board for its consideration, along with our project team of Nicole Soucie, Bea Choiniere and Ariana Costa who all helped make this possible,” said Fong.

Merrimack High School Principal Stephen Claire deemed the project an astounding success.

A little help between friends at the parking space painting project is shared by parking space owner Kira Lord, left, and Sydney Lamontagne who added color and design in abundance to the painted parking space project with the two spaces at their feet. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

“I look at this as a win, win, win,” Claire said. “The Class of 2027 set a school and community precedent that will carry on to future graduating classes for years to come.”

He added, “They have created a profitable fundraiser to benefit the whole class and it’s a beautiful day of community connection with students invested in expressing themselves in a fun way — what more could we ask for!”

Students selected paints for seasonal durability. A mandate was accepted to leave the spaces as they found them. A roll-over with grey paint at the end of the school year is promised.

Meanwhile, Merrimack School District Superintendent Bob Thompson added his commendation for the Class of 2027 Senior Parking Space Painting Project.

He assumed his post in Merrimack in July of 2026. More than 25 years across the spectrum of educational leadership includes service to students as a teacher, dean, assistant superintendent, superintendent of the Hampstead School District and now, as Superintendent of the Merrimack School District.

Some of the work of students, friends and parents completing the Senior Parking Space Painting Project is admired by Merrimack High School Principal Stephen "Steve" Claire, standing center, an enthusiast who congratulated all involved in the pilot project. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Thompson early on expressed his plan for the district as one based on listening, learning and understanding the culture, traditions and strengths that make the Merrimack School District a special place.

“When we give students voice, ownership, and the opportunity to create something meaningful, we build the kind of school culture where students feel a genuine sense of belonging,” Thompson said.

More information on Merrimack High School and its wealth of programs and activities is available online at sau26.org.

A whimsical See You Later indicates a green alligator toting a surfboard in the artful parking space that will be used by Kendelle Hendrzak, left, assisted here by project painting partner Addison Martinez. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Some windswept hair at the parking space painting project is dealt with by parking space owner Natalia Maglio, foreground, as her friend Olivia "Livy" Smith helps complete a green stripe on one of the custom painted parking spaces at Merrimack High School. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Benjamin "Ben" Fong, senior class president, with Ariana Costa, senior class vice president, achieved the goal of securing designated senior parking spaces that could be adorned with artwork done by the space holders.  Photo by LORETTA JACKSON