As seniors prepare to close the chapter of their high school years, a playful and sentimental tradition takes place. From glittery

designs to cartoon characters, seniors choose a children’s backpack to wear during their last year of high school. This trend symbolizes the bittersweet excitement of moving on. 

“I think [the purpose of this tradition is to] bring out childhood memories and to make you appreciate your childhood one last

time before you go to college,” Caylee Callen, 12, said.

For some students, these backpacks are more than just an accessory — they represent childhood memories. Chloe Young, 12, has a mermaid Barbie backpack because it was their favorite Barbie movie growing up. 

“I think they make [senior year] more fun and memorable because it’s something extra you can do, and it is senior specific,” Young said.

The sentimental value of these backpacks often come hand and hand with shared memories between friends. Callen shares how their senior backpack is a full-circle moment with one of their friends.

“I have a mermaid one, and it has sequins. Me and Alana [Smith, 12] have matching ones because we used to have matching

mermaid tails when we were little,” Callen said. “It represents my childhood and what I loved as a kid.”

Walking down the hallways, these backpacks tend to catch one’s eyes. The variety of backpacks also sparks conversation and nostalgia among classmates.  

“I like Emery Feeback’s [,12] because she has the rolling one. I feel like that’s the type of backpack we all wished we had when we were younger,” Young said.  

Beyond the fun and flair, many students believe this tradition helps improve the school experience.  

“I think it makes school more interactive and more enjoyable. It is something you look forward to,” Brady Coltharp, 12, said. 

There is also a layer of emotional connection, as students recognize the significance behind each backpack choice.

“I like when I see someone I know, and the backpack is something that they liked when they were a kid,” Callen said. “It means more than just a random backpack.”

Ultimately, the senior backpack tradition serves as a reminder to embrace the moment and enjoy the final stretch of high school.

“I think it helps you realize that [high school] is only going to be here for so long, and you might as well have fun,” Coltharp said.