Over the years, we’ve seen all kinds of school trends–some mischievous, some hilarious, and others genuinely heartfelt. As Seniors, we’ve witnessed them all. Over the years, the world has seen some concerning trends, but there have been others that build each other up. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the trends that have shaped our high school experience, as well as the ones making an impact today.

One of the most notorious trends in recent years was the Devious Lick. What started as

A seemingly harmless challenge quickly escalated into a full-blown stealing competition. Students around the nation took things to extreme levels, even removing toilets from concrete floors. As expected, the consequences were serious, with many students facing suspensions. While this was less of an issue in our district, we can remember the genuine concern that led to precautions from the administration. 

Back in 2021, FHS Administration responded to this concerning trend, saying in a mass message, “We should all stand together to respect each other, our school, and our community. We need everyone to follow the expectation that if you see something wrong, you can say something to a school official. You can email any administrator or teacher with information. You can also utilize the SafeUT app should you want to remain anonymous.”

This trend raised concerns about how quickly social media can turn a joke into something destructive. Administrators had to take action, cracking down on vandalism and reinforcing school policies. But it also made us wonder–how can we shift the focus from negative trends to positive ones?

Social media plays a major role in spreading trends. Whether good or bad, once something gains traction, it can take over a school in no time. But instead of focusing on harmful challenges, more students have found ways to use trends to spread kindness and positivity.

Take, for example, the simple yet meaningful act of decorating the seminary bathroom mirrors. At the start of her  freshman year, Gracie Deru, now a Senior, wrote inspirational messages on sticky notes and placed them on the mirror with her friends. What began as a small gesture quickly turned into the whole class joining in to spread positivity. These little notes became a daily source of encouragement, brightening people’s days all year long.

If you’ve ever found a tiny rubber duck hidden around the school, you might have been part of Junior Kaitlyn Worthley’s mission to brighten people’s days. She carries pockets full of ducks, handing them out or hiding them in unexpected places–drinking fountains, hand sanitizer stations, even the counseling office.

“It’s fun! And ducks make people happy,” Kaitlyn explains. Her classmates now look forward to seeing where the next duck will appear. So next time you’re walking through the halls, keep an eye out– you might just find a little surprise waiting for you.

In addition to Kaitlyn’s efforts, and inspired by the well-known Jeep Ducking trend-where Jeep owners exchange or gift rubber ducks–some students have brought this tradition to school. Payton shares, “I love how it’s anonymous. You don’t have to say anything–you just leave a fun duck for someone to find.” This small act of kindness proves even the simplest gestures can make someone’s day.

Another fun and interactive trend making waves is the Microphone Interview Challenge. This involves interviewing strangers with spontaneous and entertaining questions. An example is “What is your go-to Maverick order?“ or “What song are you listening to right now?”. Payton Bell, who helps run the interviews for Pack TV, says “It’s fun because people don’t feel intimidated–It’s just a lighthearted questions that creates a stress-free, fun environment.” This trend has made school interactions more engaging, giving students a chance to share their thoughts in a casual manner.

Trends come and go but their impact lasts. As Gracie Deru puts it, “Life is beautiful, and finding joy in it is amazing. Trends change, the world changes, but it’s important to focus on the good changes.” As we continue to see the new ones emerge, let’s choose to participate in those that bring positivity, laughter and connection.