The Pembroke Pines Charter High School Jaguars are officially back on campus. Yet something is different: last year’s juniors are now seniors. Across the United States, there is a senior backpack tradition in which seniors’ backpacks call on their childhood. Popular choices include Spider-Man, Dora the Explorer, and Paw Patrol. For most seniors, there is a meaning behind their backpack, from either a favorite show as a child or a core memory. Here is a look into the Seniors at Charter’s thought processes and meanings behind their backpack.
“I chose a Princess Tiana backpack because, as a child, I always wanted to be her and looked up to her. I even based my 16th birthday on her, decorated my Senior Step-Up Day crown based on her, and plan to decorate my graduation cap based on her as well. She inspires me due to the fact that she is so determined and hardworking. I always remind myself, ‘I’m almost there’, which is my motivation from the best song in the movie.” – Lealia Taylor, Senior
“I chose Hello Kitty because, ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved her. Every single thing I owned was Hello Kitty since it was my favorite character and show.” – Caitlyn John, Senior
“I really wanted to tie into my childhood memories and replicate my kindergarten backpack. I went with a hot pink princess backpack because princesses have always been a part of my life, and I have loved Disney and the color pink ever since I was a kid.” – Kaitlyn Oramas, Senior
“Me and my best friend since kindergarten always watched the show Paw Patrol when we were little. So, we decided to go to Walmart together and get matching Paw Patrol backpacks.” – Adriana Caldswell, Senior
“I really liked Justin Bieber back in my sophomore year, and I really wanted a Justin Bieber backpack for my senior year. Since then, I’m a little less ‘obsessed’ with him, but I listen to his old music all the time. So because of that, I found a Justin Bieber backpack and immediately knew I had to get it.” – Amina Stark, Senior
“I got a Lightning McQueen backpack because I really like Cars; it has a lot of the cars from the movies on it, and I watched the movies so much growing up.” – Jason Anglin, Senior
“I got a Garfield backpack mostly because my friend got it, and I enjoyed watching the movie.” – Cesar Roman, Senior
“My inspiration for my senior backpack was Monster High because it was my childhood show and or movie[s] growing up, and I still love it today. The characters, the colors, and the spooky-cute style always stuck with me, and the aesthetic overall is something I’ve never outgrown. Getting this backpack feels like a warm piece of childhood to me, while still showing off a look that’s bold and unique.” – Ziara Bryant, Senior
