For Florida High seniors, backpacks are becoming more than just something to carry books. Each year, seniors bring backpacks featuring favorite childhood characters, games and memories, creating a tradition that allows them to carry a piece of their childhood into their final year of high school.

“It’s a really cute tradition; it’s a full-circle moment from Kindergarten to twelfth grade, and it’s fun to see every kid’s favorite childhood show,” senior Kayleigh Ammerman said.

This year’s backpacks feature a wide range of personalities and interests, including Shopkins, Naruto, Minecraft, Stitch, Lightning McQueen, Winnie the Pooh, Scooby-Doo, Ninja Turtles, Pokémon, Strawberry Shortcake, Sonic, Hello Kitty and more.

“The theme of my bag is the Avengers, and  I picked it because I really like the Avengers, and there was no Spider-Man,” senior Adrian Diaz said.

For some seniors, the backpacks reflect more than a favorite character or franchise. They represent memories and interests that have stayed with them throughout the years.

“It’s really cute; I like it. It gives us a last moment of our childhood,” senior De’Asia Gordon said.

As seniors prepare for graduation and the next chapter of their lives, the backpacks offer a reminder of where they started and the memories they are leaving behind.