Every year, the senior class at Chinook High School paints a section of the school's sidewalk as a way to capture the class' personality and to leave their mark behind. The Class of 2021 completed their artwork on May 19, barricading it with chairs and caution tape as protection while drying. Twenty-seven graduation caps-each bearing a graduate's first name and imprinted with the words CHS Class of 2021-completed the display on Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone who has seen the sidewalk art that commemorates the class has likely guessed that it is an allusion to the pop-culture character SpongeBob SquarePants and his home at Bikini Bottom. The pineapple house, blue watery world, and amoeboid looking "flowers" give that location away.

Furthermore, designers of the cartoon often use an image similar to the one that appears in front of Chinook High School as a transition between scenes to indicate the passage of time. That explains the wording: "4 Years Later," which also references the seniors' time in high school.

"It's an unconventional idea, but I love it because it's bright and cheery," said Senior Class Advisor, Laura Kellam.

When asked about the special significance that SpongeBob has to the seniors, one member of the class, Ginger Hauer said, "It really doesn't have a significance for our class! I was just looking through Pinterest because we couldn't come up with anything else, and I thought it was simple and I really just liked the colors!"

Whether intentionally chosen or not, the character makes an appropriate symbol for today's young people-many of whom grew up watching the cartoon. SpongeBob is an optimist, he's relatable, and the storyline mixes imaginative situations with reality.

For those who don't know the iconic character, SpongeBob not only has a mundane job working for a greedy and inconsiderate boss but an annoying neighbor and co-worker who both despise him. Still, SpongeBob remains optimistic and kind, doesn't focus on misfortune, and finds pleasure in his job. In episode after episode, he faces adversity with a smile and isn't afraid to try something new. These are all important life lessons.

Despite being a sponge living in a pineapple under the sea, SpongeBob reminds us that our attitude is a choice.