Beginning high school in 2022, the Class of 2026 has experienced four full years of trends, memories, and changes. From fashion trends, TikTok viral moments, and memories that bring everyone together, each year brought something new that helped define our class. Now, as seniors, not only have the trends changed, but so have we.

Freshman year, the year of recovering from COVID and figuring everything out. Trends that took over were the World Cup, BeReal notifications during class, and Stanley Cups, slowly replacing the infamous Hydroflasks. Fashion was all about the oversized look paired with flare leggings, mini UGGs, and claw clips. Looking back now, some of those trends stayed with us, and some have definitely evolved, just like the Class of 2026.

Grace Sanchez ‘26 says, “Freshman year literally feels like yesterday,” she adds, “It’s honestly crazy to see how my friends and I have changed throughout the years based on trends that were popular during that time period.” Grace highlights how trends did more than just shape the Class of 2026’s clothes or taste; they shaped our memories and experiences.

Sophomore year was when we were all trying to figure out our places on campus. Trends that surfaced included Taylor Swift and her Eras Tour, photo dumps, and several new slang words. Fashion trends included the comeback of Adidas sambas, matching sets, gold jewelry, and baby tees. Everyone was obsessed with skincare and having Celsius in hand.

Sofia Bravo ‘26 explains that “Sophomore year is really when trends took over, you saw something on TikTok one minute and the next day everyone was either wearing or participating in the trend.” She also says, “Trends are kinda cool like that, they provide a sense of community and excitement on campus.” Sofia’s perspective shows how trends are bigger than a community on social media but even more evident within campus culture.

Junior year, the year where we wished we were seniors and high school felt like it was never going to end. It was a balance between hard classes, SAT prep, and college conversations that got real. Amongst the crazy trends that stayed popular were oversized jerseys (often worn backwards), neutral outfits, new balances, workout sets, the rise of matcha, and on the music side: Kendrick vs Drake beef. Even during one of the busiest years of high school, trends existed to bring students together and make junior year a memorable one.

Victor Velasquez II ’26 shares that, “Trends are always something that define moments of your life, and it’s always cool to see the things that I was obsessed with not just during high school but throughout my whole life, it’s super bittersweet.” Victor puts it perfectly; he emphasizes the idea that trends are connected to our memories, making different takes of life feel nostalgic as time passes.

Senior year. The year every high school thinks is inevitable. This year has been all about making memories and enjoying the final moments of high school. Trends definitely took a shift. They became less about fitting in and more about expressing yourself and the others around you. TikTok trends like the infamous 67 and scuba definitely took over the classrooms. Fashion trends like college hoodies, matching sweatsuits, jorts, and so much more have definitely been popular. Another huge trend making a comeback has been hackysack – played everywhere from the classrooms to outside during lunch.

Aubrey Owens ‘26 says, “I think trends as a whole bring people together. There is always something for someone to relate to, and I think that’s really important on campus.” She adds, “Trends bring a sense of community and it’s been cool to see them grow from freshman year to senior year.” Aubrey’s perspective shines a light on the idea that trends helped build connections throughout all four years of high school, no matter who you are.

While trends constantly changed throughout our four years, the memories connected to them stayed the same. From Freshman year to senior year, each trend helped define the Class of 2026 and the experiences we will all remember after graduation.