SpongeBob, Lightning McQueen, and Dora the Explorer have officially taken over Northgate’s hallways. Not just as memories, but on the backs of this year’s seniors.
The start of a new school year marks a beginning for many. And for some, the beginning of an end, as seniors enter their final year of high school.
But when Northgate students walked onto campus on Aug. 6, it wasn’t just another first day. It marked the continuation of a beloved tradition: seniors swapping out their old, worn-out North Face backpacks for bags showcasing the TV shows, movies, and games that once defined their childhood.
“I got this backpack because minions have always been my favorite since grade school. I used to collect them all the time,” said senior Angie Yao, showing off her bright yellow Despicable Me bag. “Senior year is chaotic enough with everything going on, so it’s fun to be a little carefree.” 
This throwback style started as early as August and September 2024, when the “kiddie backpack trend” made the rounds of social media, and it is still going strong. Far from a fixation on the past, many say it is a way to challenge norms, to be creative and original, and to simply have some fun.
A walk through the halls evokes memories from the past, and friend groups have had a good time checking out and comparing the apparel of choice. Just ask Claire Sul, Ruth Ramsden, Abigail Howarter, Poppy Albright, Avanti Morucci, Patrick Colwell and Deya Hayward, who all have first period English together.
“I picked Spiderman because I really like super heros, and spiderman is my favorite,” Howarter said. “It’s cool to see everyone, and what they have on their backpacks.”
Damon Oberbruner and Tyler Summers said they turned to some of their favorites from the past – the Smurfs and Paw Patrols – in selecting backpacks for their senior year.
Brady Frias transferred to Northgate for his senior year in October. He didn’t miss a beat and fit right in, showing up with Snorlax, from the hit game Pokemon, on his backpack.
As the seniors work their way to graduation in 2026, they are having a good time as they challenge adulthood and revisit their adolescence once more, proving that growing up doesn’t mean letting go of what made childhood fun.
