As students began using the school bathrooms at the beginning of the school year, they may have noticed something new and different: inspirational quotes on all of the bathroom stalls. The idea was conceived by principal Heather McKay after the Orange Frog training encouraged AHS teachers to “spread joy and choose happiness.” According to counselor Alyssa Dovenspike, “The inspiration came from Orange Frog, just trying to spread positivity and spread motivation somewhere where you might not see it usually.”

After their Orange Frog “joy training,” McKay found the idea on Pinterest and shared it with the counselors. “She was looking at some ideas to bring some joy in the school,” Dovenspike said. “[And] we thought it might be a good idea.” After offering to use her Cricket to make the quotes, Dovenspike Googled inspirational quotes and found ones that she thought might inspire students. After approval from Mckay and Rose, the project began taking shape.

77.7% of students do not have opinions on this new addition to the bathrooms, however most of those who do appreciate the concept and idea. Junior Nina Welter said “I think it really brightens up the bathrooms and overall just gives it some character. It used to look rather boring.” Similarly, sophomore Kaiden Hatley said, “I love the spread of positivity.” Some students take inspiration from the quotes and use them in their day-to-day lives. “I try to use the things on the walls to fuel my day sometimes,” an anonymous senior said.

Other students are in favor of the spread of joy throughout the school but are not sure about the execution. One student said, “I think, while it is a step in the right direction, it is kind of an awkward step and very much in your face.” Sophomore Kelsey Pross said, “I understand the quotes, though overall I don’t see the importance of them being in the bathroom. If they were in the hall, office, or even rooms, I personally think this would help [more] students get through their rough days.”