“Basic” – a term for someone with absolutely no unique qualities, is officially the newest trend.

Don’t believe me? Look around Air Academy High School (AAHS) and see for yourself. Need further convincing? Take a glance at your own two feet, are they covered by bright white converse asking to become dirty? Does your quarter zip read, “Patagonia” or “North Face”? How about that drink you bought this morning, is it from Dutch Brother’s Coffee, more commonly referred to as “Dutch Bros” in the Kadet community? If you answered yes to any of these, you’re clearly following the trends dominating Air Academy currently. Although, if you answered “no” to all those questions, congratulations.

White shoes have controlled the “shoe game” of Air Academy for several years now. From white Converse to white Vans to white Nike shoes, the stunningly bright shoes are not uncommon. Among girls, white converse are extremely popular.

“Girls own and wear white Converse way more than I realize,” said Eliza Tripp. “For years now, they have been way popular and they match with everything, so it’s understandable why.”

In comparison, at Magnolia High School (MHS) in Magnolia, Texas, trends are constantly overflowing the student body. At MHS black Converse are the “white Converse” of AAHS.

“Everyone wears black Converse or Adidas shoes, it’s the thing.” Kate Colvin, sophomore at MHS mentions.

So what is so appealing to students about white Converse or white shoes in general? They aren’t simple to keep white and not to mention, they aren’t uncommon. Potentially it is the sleek look or easy to match white color. Whatever happens to draw students to white shoes is continuously convincing them to buy the shoes.

Let’s talk hangout spots. Garden of the Gods, stunning and right in the backyard of some Kadets, is a popular spot to hike. When you’re scrolling through your Instagram, there is almost always a photo taken in Garden of the Gods, Pulpit Rock, or other popular hiking spots. Hiking, as well as hammocking, have become a popular practice among students.

How about those sports? There may not be an obvious sport which several females partake in, but soccer has become a popular sport among male students. With a successful team, playing for Air Academy is even more enjoyable.

In Magnolia at MHS, football cannot be denied as the most played sports by male students. Not only at MHS, but all across the state of Texas, football is played and watched immensely.

“You’re never more than ten feet away from a football player at my school, they are everywhere. It is extremely competitive at MHS because so many students play and we, the students, love watching our team play,” says Kate Colvin, speaking on behalf of the popularity of football.

While trends can be noticed all around AAHS, it is noted that they usually do not last more than a school year. With each school year comes new trends waiting to take over the halls of Air Academy.

“Trends may be dominating high schools but they never last long because that’s how high schoolers are. They are constantly changing their minds, their tendencies, and their styles,” said Sydney Pruitt.