As everyone at Camas High School (CHS) prepared for finals week, some students found unique ways of lifting fellow students up. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, sticky notes mysteriously appeared on almost every occupied locker in the girls’ locker room. The majority of these notes said kind and uplifting affirmations, such as “you are loved” or “keep going”.

In addition, some of the notes also had religious phrases written on them, such as “seek Jesus” or “trust in the Lord”. CHS has a large Christian population, but there are a number of other large religious groups as well. 

Associated Student Body (ASB) advisor and physical education teacher Valerie Parbon was among the first to see the notes.

“It wasn’t Jesus Club, and it wasn’t ASB,” Parbon said. “I think some student was just trying to be impactful.” 

All of the notes were written with the same handwriting, confirming a singular student had written them. 

“There’s way worse things you could write, but it’s still not appropriate for school,” CHS Associate Principal Stephen Baranowski said, later confirming he would look into it. 

CHS Principal Kelly O’Rourke explained in an interview the issue with religious references being in a public space like a locker room. 

“You have to remember that we have a very diverse population here, not everybody is Christian—some people are Agnostic, Atheist, Hindu… you name it, we got it,” O’Rourke said. “It can make other people feel very uncomfortable.” 

O’Rourke affirmed that CHS supports religious clubs and groups on campus. These meetings are different, according to O’Rourke, because it is only affecting the group of people who are present and choosing to be there. 

“A locker room where everyone has to go in, everyone has to participate in P.E., where you have a captive audience—people should not be forced to engage in something that is religious,” O’Rourke said. 

Most sticky notes containing religious subjects were removed the same day they were put up. The affirmational notes remain with the goal of motivating students. 

Edit (February 2025): 

In a new unprecedented trend, sticky notes similar to the ones in the locker room have been appearing all over the CHS campus. They are hidden in places around the main commons, in hallways, in the CHS library, and on billboards.

While the sticky notes found in the girls’ locker room appeared to all have the same handwriting, the sticky notes in the main commons don’t follow the same pattern. 

In a later conversation, Parbon confirmed that the sticky notes found in the main commons and elsewhere are the works of ASB. Two sticky notes can even be found referring to the papermaker Joe statue near the front office, saying things such as “This is a sign, give paper maker Joe a hug”, or jokingly, “Beware of Joe…”. 

O’Rourke also followed up on the matter. “What I don’t want to have happen is people see sticky notes and then they think ‘Oh I’ll put my own sticky notes up’, because then that can be a problem,” O’Rourke said. “Then the next thing you know custodians are having to pick up papers and it’s all good until someone turns the corner and there’s something inappropriate. Those kinds of things are always in my head.” 

O’Rourke went on to confirm that despite that concern, she is still very supportive of the sticky notes being spread by ASB and thinks it is a fun and cool way for students to be able to have a more interactive experience at school. 

Additionally, remnants of sticky notes can still be found here and there in the girls locker room as well, most of which are kind affirmations. 

The sticky notes recently spread across campus have inspired and uplifted students. They add excitement to the day for students willing to look for them.