As the first day of school approaches, one tradition is already making a colorful comeback amongst the seniors: children’s backpacks.

From Hello Kitty to Spider-Man to Power Rangers, members of the class of 2026 are walking into their final year of high school with bags that look more at home in kindergarten classrooms than crowded hallways. According to senior Valentina Ruiz, there’s meaning behind the trend—it’s not just for laughs. 

“It’s more than just a backpack—it’s something we’ve all waited to do since freshman year. It’s like our unofficial start to the end,” Ruiz said. 

For years, seniors have marked the start of their last year with backpacks that reflect the shows, toys, or characters they loved as kids. Senior Angelina Gonzalez describes the honor of participating in the senior activity as a moment to reflect.

“They’re so special because they remind you of how fast time flies. It’s a full circle moment that takes us back to when we were little, before everything was so serious,” Gonzalez said.

The tradition is seen as a creative form of self-expression. Each backpack, whether sparkly or superhero themed, reveals a different person’s story.

“I picked a princess-themed backpack because I was obsessed with them when I was younger. It just reminds me of coming home from school, playing with my toys, and not having anything else to stress about,” Parilli said.

For students navigating the bittersweet reality of senior year, these backpacks offer a reminder of the long way they’ve come. They’re silly, sure, but they’re also symbolic and almost a rite of passage on campus.

Sometimes, to move forward, it helps to carry a little piece of where you started.