When high school draws to an end, you’re given one single solitary line of text by which your peers will remember you. (No pressure at all!) The best senior quotes usually fall into one of two categories: they're either straight from the heart, or ridiculous and funny. If you're struggling to find the right words, we're here to help. First, we talked to poet and author Asa Boxer to get his pro tips on what to write if you're going for the earnest, heartfelt direction. And then, we rounded up 35 funny senior quotes to inspire all the jokesters out there. Sweet or silly, your senior quote will go down in history — here, focus in on how to come up with yours.
Tips for Writing a Heartfelt Senior Quote
“Feel free to express where you are at at that time in your life: romantic, cynical, geeky, socialite, clown, athlete, whatever,” says Asa. “Double down on who you are. Try to be honest about that.”
1. Honor your friends.
How often do you get to cement your love for your pals? Facebook statuses come and go, but yearbook quotes are forever. So if you’ve reached BFF status (emphasis on the Forever part), refer to them with their full name, a special memory you shared, and even an emoji that translates well onto print <3. But yearbook quotes are reserved for just about anyone who’s touched your life or made your high school experience special in some way, like that acquaintance who was the first to introduce themselves when you were new to the school, or the captain of the dance team who saw something in you when you tripped over your two left feet. Pressed for space? Use their initials. They’ll get it, and love it.
2. Thank your parents.
If there’s anything pop culture teaches us about parents, like Regina George’s mom or the pervasive Cool Dad meme, it’s that they were once drafting yearbook quotes just like us, and went through 50 shades of hardships to get us to where we are now. They deserve a major thank you, and even that doesn’t cut it. They’ve likely provided unwavering support on all fronts — emotional, financial, and homework-help, to name a few — so feel free to devote at least a few characters to them. VIP mentions go to cool siblings who never tattled on you when you were so obviously browsing Etsy instead of doing your homework.
3. Pick the right song.
Our taste in music often shifts over the years, or according to our stage in life (there’s a reason the Hannah Montana soundtrack might not appeal to you as much in a few years). But often in our mental Rolodex we store away those songs that resonate with us regardless of our situation. If it’s your running song, your commuting song, even your crying and laughing song, chances are it’s shaped you into the rad person you are today. And looking back on it in a few years from now will transport you to those defining moments of radness. Clean lyrics, or even lines from a poem, are all fair game. “Quotations should be drawn from anywhere that helps convey your personality. If you're not really a music lover, quote a film or inspirational talk,” Asa says. And who says it needs to be in English? Have a secret little code with yourself.
4. Give a shout out to a teacher.
Contrary to popular belief, your teachers aren’t the bad guys. They were rooting for you all along. It doesn’t have to feel awkward or unprofessional to thank a teacher. In fact, a simple “Couldn’t have done it w/o you, Ms. M!” will reinforce a teacher’s oft-hardened spirit, reinforcing a cycle of great teaching for future students. The unsung heroes deserve to wear a cape sometimes, too.
5. Be wary about referring to romantic relationships.
We’re huge advocates of young love. It’s a beautiful thing, so flaunt it if you’ve got it. But statistics about the lasting powers of high school relationships seem to paint a pretty bleak picture, with 33% of them go long distance during college, according to an iVillage survey. That’s why we advise against tattooing your bae into your quote juuust in case you can’t weather the distance storm or grow apart in other ways. If you feel super strongly about them, think about alluding to them through an inside joke or quoting your shared song or your favorite movie. This way, it’s up for interpretation.
6. Pick your own personal mantra.
You could browse through all the discographies or magazines you want, but ultimately, what speaks to you most will come from within you. What’s that thing you remind yourself daily? How do you pat yourself on the back? What makes you slay? Sign off with a saying that is completely and unabashedly “you”. Who knows, maybe it’ll inspire future classes to quote you in their yearbook.
35 of the Funniest Senior Quotes Ever to Inspire You
Now, onto the funny yearbook quotes. Get inspiration from these yearbook superstars who left everyone laughing.
1. This shameless self-promotion will serve him well in our social-media dominated future.
2. This is just iconic. Happy graduation and Pride month, everyone!
3. Not only is he smart but he’s also funny! Give him a chance… or at least let him tutor you in college.
4. (We love Ariana, though.)
5. Give this girl a full scholarship, please.
6. We see what you did there.
7. Working together for the best senior quotes.
8. Always have priorites!
9. One Direction fandom runs deep.
10. With this quote, you just might be.
11. The good thing is, years from now everyone will still get this reference because that show is literally always playing on some channel, somewhere.
12. This is too real.
13. Mic drop.
14. If you dream it, you can achieve it!
15. It doesn’t matter if you insult some people you probably never have to see again.
16. Forever young!
17. YAS QUEEN.
18. The world’s most sad commercials just became one of the funniest and most random senior quotes of the year.
19. At least you’re leaving school with confidence.
20. FOR THE FINAL TIME…
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21. This girl is already preparing for her Romy & Michele reunion moment. Respect!
22. This is pretty deep stuff.
23. I look forward to your aggressive career as a botanist.
24. Somebody date this girl, she’s a genius.
25. Honestly, the only reason we have time to make this list is because we’re not Beyoncé.
26. They’ve probably been telling this one for 12 years.
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27. This was actually really selfless of her.
28. I hope her repressive school board is reading this.
29. IS THIS THE KRUSTY KRAB?!
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__30. Hey, last time this happened those kids didn’t even finish school!
31. Both factually true and hilarious.
32. Amazing moments most of us will never be able to pull off.
33. When you’re lucky enough to have a friend as nerdy as you in the next panel.
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34.This one would have been a contender for the greatest yearbook quote of all time, but even the yearbook staff has better grammar than our former president.
35. We can relate.
Related: You Have to See This Outrageous Yearbook Prank
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