Being a senior is something students all look forward to throughout the many years of hard work and devotion. Many high schools have different traditions that allow seniors to honor their graduating class.

At Vernon Hills high school, seniors have the opportunity to wear a children’s backpack for  their last year of high school to represent their childhood and growth from their first memories of school.

This is a very warm and nostalgic feeling for those seniors who participated in this tradition that brings back memories from an earlier age. As seniors pick out their backpack one last time and pick up that Mickey Mouse backpack or
that Spiderman backpack, it allows the student to soak up these last few months of being a kid before its time for bigger things such as college and adulthood.

“I used to watch cartoons, movies, and read comics that resemble my decision so carrying this backpack feels like bringing a piece of my childhood with me,” Colin Severance (12) said.

As the seniors’ high school experience comes to an end, carrying these backpacks show sense of accomplishment and success and when looking back at one’s younger selves and all the time and work that was put in to get to where they are now. As senior year comes to an end, many seniors participate in all their last big involvements here at VHHS to really make a memorable ending and year that will never be forgotten. Students want to attend all the final
sporting events, dances, and activities such as color competition. This includes participating in the senior back pack tradition to get the full high school experience so there’s no feeling of missing out and overall feeling involved for their last year.

“I wanted to be more school spirited my senior year and thought the senior backpacks would be meaningful to my last year and get me involved at the same time,” Noelle Leja (12) said.

Participation in these traditions show school spirit and excitement for the school year and the more people that participate the more the students form connections and build friendships. Even though high school is only four years of school, participating in this tradition allows one to pull those earlier memories before high school.

“I liked the idea of finishing high school with a backpack that reflects my childhood and personality,” Ariana Barron (12) said.

Senior year is a roller coaster of emotions but at the end it’s almost bittersweet. One day students are having the time of their life with friends and celebrating and the next there’s disbelief coming from the amount of change  that’s about to approach.

Graduating means saying goodbye to the school community who suddenly became family and the second place one can call home can be difficult, but as a student its encourage all seniors and upcoming seniors to make the most of the amazing traditions and experiences here at VHHS has to offer and to get involved.