The arrival of senior year brings not just excitement for graduation, but also a beloved creative tradition: decorating senior jeans. It’s a way for students to show their individuality while celebrating the community they have been a part of for four years.
“Each year, the senior class — not just Spring Hill, but pretty much every school in the U.S. — will decorate their jeans with their high school’s colors and make cute designs,” Dylan Estes,12, said. “Sometimes they’ll put symbols that represent what activities they’re in or the school’s mascot. Most people do jeans, some people do overalls, and some people do jorts. [It’s] just something with denim.”
Each pair of jeans becomes a canvas for personal expression. Some students paint Bronco logos, while others sew on patches or embroider details that make their jeans one of a kind.
“Instead of all paint [on my jeans], I alternated paint and patches. I added a horseshoe on the back pocket. I also did flowers because I like flowers,” Chase Shideler,12, said. “I personalized them to what I liked, but I kept them in the Bronco pride theme.”
Estes chose to make senior jean shorts because they wear them more often, allowing them to join the tradition while keeping their personal style.
The process isn’t just about creativity — it’s about connection. On Bronco Fever Fridays, when students wear their Bronco gear, there’s an unspoken sense of unity that spreads throughout the halls.
“It’s really fun to decorate them and [I made them] to be able to wear my jeans with other people who are also wearing their school pride jeans on Fridays,” Shideler said.
For many seniors, the jeans are more than clothing — they are a reminder to embrace every moment of their final year.
“I just think it’s a fun tradition, and I think it’s a good way to show school spirit,” Estes said. “I think it’s good to capitalize on everything that you can to show school spirit during senior year because it’s your last year, so why not make the most out of it?”
Looking back, Estes admits that their appreciation for school spirit has grown over the years. What once seemed like a small thing now feels like an important part of the high school experience.
“Freshman year I didn’t really realize how important school spirit was to have a fun time in high school, and now I just feel like not going all out or at least not trying is lame,” Estes said.
Beyond showcasing creativity and pride, the jeans also help students connect with one another.
“It’s a conversation topic for people that you’re not necessarily close with and you can grow friendships from there,” Shideler said.
This shared creativity and pride brings students closer together, reminding everyone that true school spirit goes beyond the bleachers — it’s about the sense of togetherness.
“I just think that because senior jeans bring the school spirit out of people, they are more willing to talk to others at the school. There’s so many benefits of showing more pride for the things you’re in,” Estes said.
Even after graduation, the decorated jeans can serve as a keepsake of the memories and friendships made during high school.
“It’s definitely going to be nostalgic because I can hang on to those jeans forever and who knows? My kids might have that trend. That would be fun to look back on,” Shideler said.
While most participants are girls, some seniors are encouraging all future seniors — regardless of gender — to take part in the fun.
“If you’re a guy, you should consider making one. Even though it’s not very common for guys, it’s still something that you should get in on because it’s fun and silly, and why would you waste your senior year not going all out?” Estes said.
Whether it’s through paint, patches, or a pair of old denim jeans, this tradition captures what senior year is all about — celebrating individuality, friendship, and the pride of being a Bronco.
