by  Tyler Otten | staff writer

After following procedure and applying for a parking pass during prep pays, some juniors and seniors still found themselves without permission to park on campus. Passes this year are limited and with under 600 spots, many students will be left out.

“We have 579 spots in the student lot, with 42 teacher spots in the front taken for PALS,” school secretary Grace Montalvo said.

Students were in high hopes after an email sent before the prep days told students that they would receive their pass when they arrived for their assigned prep day, as long as they hadn’t run out yet. With a relatively easy application, many hoped to get permission to park on campus.

“To get a parking pass you need to fill out the parking application, along with a copy of your driver’s license – not a learners permit – a valid driver’s license and a copy of insurance with their name on it,” Montalvo said.

However, after a flux of students on senior prep day, the office decided to change its policy. Seniors would get first priority for all the spots on campus. After all the applied seniors had received a pass or had been reserved one, juniors would be selected through a raffle.

“We gave about 400 passes to seniors so far, but many more keep coming in. This is the first year we have done the lottery for the juniors. Absolutely no passes will be given for freshman and sophomores,” Montalvo said.

With no guarantee that students will receive a permit, students who are in extracurriculars are concerned they may never get one. With practices starting as early as six and many events lasting after school, parents can not always get their kids to where they need to be.

“We don’t give priority to students who are in sports or extra curriculars, or students whose parents contact us. Everyone is given the same treatment. If you get selected, you get a pass.” Montalvo said.

After the long line at prep day, many students came back a few days later and hoped to get called in to the office. Junior Scott Coleman hopes to get a pass because of Cross Country practice before and after school. He is forced to drive to make it on time.

“I get to school at six every day and my parents can not get me here that early. I’ve been driving to school without a pass because coach A. expects me to be there every day, no excuses.” Coleman said.

On the other side of the spectrum, junior Max Barker got a pass the second week of school. He has tennis practice and feels it’s a necessity.

“They sent a pass to my class to go down to the office and I got a parking permit. I believe I got one because I’m in a varsity sport.” Barker said.