Between old notebooks, loose pencils, AP class study materials, and half-eaten snacks, students at AGHS have backpacks full of surprises. While backpacks might seem plain on the outside, what students choose to keep inside of them highlights their personalities and interests. 

Many students, however, do have backpacks full of typical school necessities like chromebooks and multiple notebooks for different subjects. Although, even with these typical school supplies, unique and unexpected items were found within each student’s backpack. 

Christian Davis’s (‘26) backpack was full of typical notebooks and folders, but also enclosed items shoved in random packets that show off Davis’s personal interests.

“I got me some little doodle pads,” said Davis. 

This item highlights Chris’s interest and enjoyment in doodling throughout his school day. 

Along with his doodle pads, Davis’s backpack also shockingly contained, as he called it, “The Palo High School Student Planner.” 

While digging through his backpack, Davis also found treasures he had no use for. 

“[I have] a little bike lock I do not even have a bike for is in this pocket,” said Davis. 

As Davis’s final backpack surprise, he pulled out a “future FBI member” item showing his interest in the FBI. 

Other students however, like Evan Torres’s (‘26) backpack contained items to comfort him throughout the day. Torres carried hair products, food, and unexpectedly, melatonin.

“I got melatonin, if I gotta sleep sometimes,” said Torres.

Torres also proudly pulled out his water bottle which he described as a “manly Stanley cup.” 

Along with his water bottle, Torres had snacks to get him through his day. 

“I have a probiotic drink, because it’s healthy,” said Torres. 

Torres values his health and with his water bottle and probiotic drinks, he is able to get through the day feeling good and healthy. 

Unlike Davis and Torres, some students’ backpacks are simply filled with school supplies. 

“I have a notebook I use only for studying for AP tests,” Aiden Emerson (‘27) said. “If I am watching a video or sitting through a lecture in class, I take notes in that notebook.”

This signified Emerson’s hard work in school and how he values learning the material taught in class. 

Emerson also had multiple other folders and notebooks he carried around to stay on top of his classes. 

Gum, Aquaphor, and snacks were also found shoved to the bottom of Emerson’s backpack. 

Jack Durham’s (‘28) backpack was filled with technology, showing how much students rely on electronics nowadays. 

“I got two computers in here, the school Chromebook and my MacBook,” said Durham. 

Durham uses his two computers to be able to stay efficient and get his work done during his class periods. 

Lastly, Kaira Jackson’s (‘27) backpack contained typical items someone might assume would be in a highschool girl’s backpack. 

“I have my computer, folders, pens and pencils,” said Jackson. 

To spice up her backpack and prepare her for the day, Jackson’s backpack also had lipgloss, perfume, her keys, rings, and sticky notes. 

“I have lots of perfume to be able to stay smelling good throughout the day,” Jackson said. 

Jackson enjoys smelling good and keeping up with the latest fragrances, indicating why she carries multiple perfumes with her in her backpack. 

Although each student’s backpack never carries the same items, common trends found among the backpacks were notebooks, Chromebooks, and writing utensils, showing how students at AGHS view their school work as important. With each similarity in student’s backpacks came differences, such as carabiners versus earrings. What a student’s backpack contains allows a deeper understanding of the student, how they live their lives, and what they find is important to get them through the school day.