If you’ve driven past Musselman Highschool lately and spotted a student sporting a Dora The Explorer or Spider-Man backpack, don’t be alarmed– it’s not a fashion crisis, it’s a new full-blown trend.
Across the country, high school seniors are ditching the sleek, “cool kid” bags for more kid-like ones.
From glittery unicorns to cartoon characters, these kiddie backpacks are more than just playful accessories. They’re symbols of nostalgia, unity, and the bittersweet joy of growing up. For many seniors, the bag they chose reflects something personal.
Stephanie Lewis- a senior here at MuHS, shared that she picked a princess-themed backpack because she grew up watching princess movies. “It felt like a full-circle moment,” she said. “I started school with princesses, and now I’m ending it with them.”
The tradition isn’t new to this year’s class. Some students say they first heard about it during freshman year and have been waiting for their turn ever since.
“It’s a cute tradition,” one senior explained, “We’re ending our high school career the same way we started it—like kids, but with way more memories.”
Beyond the fun and fashion, the senior backpack trend has become a symbol of connection. “It brings us closer together,” another senior said. “It gives us something to connect with, something that’s just ours as a class.”
Whether it’s a sparkly unicorn, a SpongeBob backpack, or a tiny Paw Patrol bag barely big enough for a pencil case, these backpacks carry more than just supplies. They carry stories, friendships, and the joy of embracing childhood one last time before stepping into adulthood.
