First Day of Kindergarten…For Seniors?

Colorful backpacks, hair done, new shoes-these are all familiar characteristics of 5-year olds- stepping through the door into their first day of kindergarten. On August 14th, 502 kindergarteners stormed into St. Thomas Aquinas. However, these weren’t 2-foot-tall kids; they were 6-foot-tall teens. The reason behind this bizarre sight? The senior tradition of wearing children’s backpacks. As they entered their last year of high school, on the brink of freedom, these seniors sported children’s backpacks-a symbol of their fading childhood. 

The Raider Review reporters set out to find the best of these kid backpacks. Our first stop was the art room, where we met Carolina Reverte in the middle of an Art Honor Society meeting. When asked about senior year, she didn’t hold back about the stress many seniors face– college applications, homework, and career choices: “There’s way too much work and extracurriculars  for me to handle,” she said. However, what really caught our interest was her blue shark backpack. She explained that “One of my favorite teachers, Mrs. Stevens, inspired me to be in love with marine biology, so I just had to get this shark backpack.” 

Despite the pressures of senior year, the childlike backpacks brought some much needed fun into their lives. Giana Randazzo, carrying a Spiderman backpack, mentioned it made her “feel like a kid again.”  Isabella Verona, sporting a Naruto backpack, shared “I used to be a big Naruto fan in 6th grade” Meanwhile, Hernan Leon, with a Bluey backpack, simply stated, “It’s cool.” When pressed further on why he chose Bluey, he added, “I love Bluey.” 

Our journey continued until we spotted a glittery pink Hello Kitty bag on Ana Lynch Smith, captain of the sailing team. When asked about why she chose the Hello Kitty bag, she said, “It really reminds me of what I would’ve wanted when I was younger, but my parents would’ve said no, so I got it for myself.” Reflecting on the differences between the first-day jitters of kindergarten and senior year, she expressed “I’m more excited this year, y’know, cause college is coming up. Freedom.”                        

The children’s backpack trend is not the only tradition seniors are looking forward to. Homecoming week and the dance are fast approaching, as well as football game nights. Others thought ahead even farther: Connor Graham, President of Rho Kappa, expressed he was looking forward “to prom.” Another senior chimed in with, “the senior class trip.”

Senior year is not just the final chapter; but a beginning for a new book. Leaving Florida is the next step for many. Giana Randazzo, with a spiderman backpack, shared, “I just really want to get out of here and go to Washington DC and never turn back.” Some are aiming even farther: Mia Rutigliano, with a Cartman backpack from South Park, noted, “I want to live in Italy for a couple of years.” Parker Upton, who was matching with Mia, said in her future she wanted to “study economics.”

And so, just like those toddlers stepping into their first classroom, these seniors are taking their own big steps into the unknown. Raiders will take with them the experiences and lessons they have learned, as Rober Fullman revealed,“All of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school.” The children’s backpacks might be a nod to the past, but they’re  a reminder that no matter how much we grow, there’s always a bit of that wide-eyed kindergartener still inside us- excited, nervous, and ready for whatever comes next. 

Backpack Collection:

Work cited: 

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/56955/all-i-really-need-to-know-i-learned-in-kindergarten-by-robert-fulghum/9780345466396/excerpt