Every student anticipates senior year. It is the last year of high school: it marks the end of childhood and the transition to adulthood. As the seniors eagerly await graduation and their futures away from NKHS, they should also take some time to look back on their childhood. Everyone can remember their favorite children’s television shows. Thus the walk down memory lane begins. 
Some of the favorites include:

“Dragon Tales”

On air from 1999 to 2005 on PBS, this television show is a favorite among the seniors. It is about a brother and sister (Max and Emmy) who have a magical rainbow dragon scale which transports them to the colorful Dragon Land whenever they recite a rhyme. When they get to Dragon Land, friendly talking dragons befriend them and take them on adventures. The show aired 99 episodes and won numerous Parents’ Choice Awards.

Senior Emily Buterbaugh said she watched it “every day after school” when she was growing up. She remembers singing along to the theme song.

Many seniors get a kick of nostalgia whenever they hear the lyrics “Dragon Tales, Dragon Tales / It’s almost time for Dragon Tales / Come along and take my hand / Let’s all go to Dragon Land.”

“Powerpuff Girls”

Airing from 1998 to 2005 on Cartoon Network, many girls (and some guys) watched this show religiously. The show is about three sisters with superhuman powers. They were created by Professor Utonium in his quest to create the perfect girl. He is mixing the ingredients “sugar, spice, and everything nice” when his lab assistant, an evil chimpanzee named Mojo Jojo, accidentally adds the Chemical X to the mix. Mojo Jojo’s error results in the creation of three perfect girls: Bubbles, Blossom, and Buttercup. These girls put their superpowers to good use and fight villains, including the supervillain Mojo Jojo, who threaten their fictional city of Townsville, USA.

“I liked watching little girls beat up bad guys. It was hilarious” said senior Lexie Gardiner. She watched “Powerpuff Girls” every day after school and even had a life­-size poster of them above her bed.

“SpongeBob Squarepants”

On Nickelodeon since 1999, this show follows the life and nonsensical exploits of a kitchen sponge named SpongeBob. This anthropomorphic sponge, who miraculously lives in a pineapple under the sea, loves everyone he meets. He enjoys catching jellyfish with his best friend, an obese starfish named Patrick, and doing karate with Sandy Cheeks, a Texan squirrel who wears an underwater suit but still looks good in a bikini. SpongeBob adores his job making Krabby Patties at the Krusty Krab and unwittingly irritating his crotchety co worker and neighbor, a squid called Squidward. SpongeBob’s life is not all fun and games. Some of his deepest struggles include his search for his beloved pet snail, Gary, his inability to pass his driving test, and a terrifying encounter with an Alaskan bull worm. Seniors love this show because of its hilarious silliness.

Senior Matthew “Chewy” Caramante watched “SpongeBob Squarepants” every day. He said, “I loved it because it was funny and I could watch it for hours. Me and my dad would watch it together.” He and his father frequently quote “SpongeBob” and one of their favorite quotes is “We’re going on a baby hunt, and don’t think we don’t know how to weeeeeed them out.” A poster of SpongeBob still hangs in Caramante’s room.

“The Fairly OddParents”

A favorite show among NK seniors, its first run on Nickelodeon lasted from 2001 to 2004, although there have been a few movies and revival seasons since the first four seasons including a spin­off show “Fairly OddBaby.” “The Fairly OddParents” revolves around a boy named Timmy Turner who is perpetually in the fifth grade. Timmy’s parents hire a babysitter named Vicky who antagonizes Timmy. Timmy is so sad, the fairies in Fairy World decide that he needs some fairy godparents to make him happy. They send the couple Wanda and Cosmo to be Timmy’s fairy godparents. Wanda and Cosmo can grant Timmy wishes and make things appear with their magic wands. Most of the episode plots are about Timmy making mistakes in what he wishes for and having to clean up his mess. Wanda and Cosmo are a funny couple. Wanda is serious and responsible while Cosmo is a goof­ball who can never really figure out how to use his magic.

Senior John Preli said that he loves the show. “I thought it was hilarious and everything Cosmo did made me laugh.” Preli watched “The Fairly OddParents” every morning at seven before school started. “I had a shirt back in the day and I think I had a wand, and yes, it was that important!” said Preli. He remembers laughing hysterically while watching the show.

Other shows deserving mention:

●  “Zoboomafoo”

●  “Clifford the Big Red Dog”

●  “Sesame Street”

●  “Blues Clues”

●  “Courage the Cowardly Dog”

●  “Dexter’s Laboratory”

●  “Winnie the Pooh”

These shows take seniors on a nostalgic journey through their memories. Although the seniors are excited to start their lives as adults, they should also take some time to reflect on their childhood. They should remember what made them laugh and made them happy. Because it is easy to get consumed in future plans, seniors need to look back at the past and appreciate the great adventure that is their childhood. Seniors, take a minute to remember your amazement at the magical Dragon Land, your satisfaction at watching little girls beat up crooks, the complete silliness of a kitchen sponge, and the endless hilarity of Cosmo. Remember your personal favorite show and what it meant to you. Don’t let go of your childhood just yet.