After getting their ID photos taken, the students post photos of their costumes on Twitter. This year, they’re using the #NFID22 hashtag, in case you’re curious and want to have a look at some more awesome costumes.

Every year, the North Farmington High School’s tradition gets a lot of coverage. Not just in Michigan’s local media, though! All over the US, as well as abroad and on social media, too. What’s more, the costumes are brilliant if you ever need some Halloween inspiration (hey, the holiday’s right around the corner, we’d best start thinking about what we’ll be wearing in earnest, right?).

Personally, I think it’s a brilliant tradition and I wish more schools would have such awesome administrations that encourage growing the culture of the school itself, not just following the curriculum to the letter.

Back in 2019, I reached out to North Farmington High School and had a lovely chat with its Principal, Joe Greene. He told Bored Panda all about the roots of the tradition and what the idea behind it is.

“This started in 2014 with the Senior Class of 2015. They wanted to have a fun way to bring their class together, build school spirit, express themselves, and have fun,” Principal Greene shared with Bored Panda during an earlier email interview.

“A number of student leaders met with myself and a few staff members and we negotiated out some principles to guide student decisions in choosing a costume and how to ensure that the ID photos still supported a safe and secure school environment. It just began to grow from there to where it is today,” the educator told Bored Panda.

According to Principal Greene, students’ parents “love this tradition on the whole.” Though, from time to time, some questions about security pop up. “We are able to explain the guidelines we use as students choose their popular culture costumes and take their picture so that they are still identifiable.”

“We believe in fostering student leadership and creative ideas expression over our students’ four years with us. The Senior Class dressing up as popular characters for their IDs is an occasion meant for the class to build community and identity among themselves as well as bring some fun and joy to the school year,” the Principal elaborated.

“This privilege is extended to each Senior Class as long as they have carried themselves well over their prior three years. This practice has also evolved to be a shared mission of the Senior Class to bring joy to the numerous people who look forward to this each year!”

Principal Greene was also kind enough to elaborate about some other traditions at North Farmington High School. “We have a number of other traditions, such as dressing up by class for Spirit Week, Seniors meeting with the Principal to paint the rock in front of the school on the night before school starts and the night before their last day as Seniors. On the whole Senior IDs is the tradition which gets the most buzz and attention.”

So, dear Pandas, which costume did you like the most and why? Do you think that more schools should follow in North Farmington’s footsteps? Do you believe that school traditions are important and should be kept as much as possible? We can’t wait to read what you have to say, so be sure to share your thoughts in the comments!