If you walk through the halls this year, you might notice something a little different about the seniors. Instead of regular backpacks stuffed with notebooks and folders, a lot of them are rocking tiny, colorful kid backpacks with cartoon characters and bright designs. It might look silly and unusual, yet it has become a tradition here at ILS as well as at other high schools.

For seniors, the backpacks are more than just a joke. They represent a final year of fun and a way to stand out.

“It’s funny because we’re supposed to be the oldest and most mature in the school, but we’re walking around with Barbie or Spider-Man backpacks,” senior Emma Angeli said. “It’s like a reminder that even though we’re growing up, we don’t have to take everything so seriously.”

The tradition has been passed down year after year, and now it feels like something every senior looks forward to.

“When you’re a freshman, you see the seniors doing it and you can’t wait until it’s your turn,” senior Renata Vandala said. “It feels like a small but special part of finally being a senior.”

For some, the backpacks also carry a deeper meaning.

“We’re about to graduate, and these backpacks kind of represent the last piece of being a kid,” senior Mateo Gomez said.

The backpacks have also turned into a way for seniors to express their personalities. Some choose characters they loved as little kids, while others pick humorous or the most random designs they can find.

It has even sparked friendly competition over who can find the smallest or weirdest backpack. For many, it is less about carrying school supplies and more about showing creativity and getting a laugh from their classmates.

Whether it’s a Dora, Paw Patrol, or even a glittery unicorn bag, the kid backpacks have become a symbol of senior year. They remind everyone that it is possible to grow up while still holding onto the best parts of being young.