Emily Ratajkowski
It's hard believing that this cute lady smiling back at us is the renowned Emily Ratajkowski. When we hear of top models, we always assume they had wild hairdos and eccentric fashion senses, but Emily proves those stereotypes wrong.
According to her high school friends and classmates, Emily was far from the socialite we know today. It's said that she was an introvert and kept to herself most of the time. The plot thickens once you realize Emily had a skater boyfriend and even tried pursuing an art career. She chose acting, but we believe there's still hope for an artistic comeback if this quote is anything to go by.
Christopher Walken
Christopher Walken might not be recognizable in this high school headshot, but his quote and bio sum it all up. The kid knew what he wanted in life, and he understood the assignment to a tee. Few people strike gold like Mr. Walken here, and we are impressed.
Fast forward to today, where Christopher is not called "Ronnie" anymore, and we see how well his predictions turned out. He is a famous comedian, and the Shakespeare quote sounds more like Christopher than the author himself. Maybe we should have all quoted Shakespeare in our yearbooks to grant us some good luck.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon is known for her exceptional acting skills, and her high school history paints a better picture of how and why. It all sounds too good to be accurate, but facts can often be stranger than fiction, and here we are.
Reese was quite the beauty in her town, and she even managed to become a wrestling cheerleader. Trust us; we are not making this up. On the other hand, she was also a perfectionist and always strived to get straight A's, a claim backed up by her parents, who even nicknamed her "Little Type A." As for the quote, please read it and decide what you think.
Owen Wilson
Ever wondered when and how Owen Wilson ended up sporting that signature nasal dent? Wonder no more because we have all the information you need.
Owen started his high school years fighting with other students and getting up to no good, leading to his iconic nasal structure. The scuffle quickly earned him an expulsion, landing Owen in a New Mexico military school. Luckily, things seem to have quieted down after the lifestyle change, and going by his plethora of yearbook quotes; the fellow managed to gain some idols along the way too. Soon after graduation, Owen met Wes Anderson at the University of Texas, and the rest is history.
Barack Obama
Becoming the president of America is a dream many people would love to achieve. Yet to make that happen, your personality is a crucial factor to consider since people tend to gravitate towards happy and warm personas naturally.
Barack Obama was full of those qualities, and his high schoolmates can attest to that fact. Quite unsurprisingly, the brilliant former head of state got to attend the Honolulu prep school after winning a scholarship on merit. On the flipside, Barack's grades were average, but his basketball skills and charming personality immediately impacted the teachers and students at large, a born leader!
Justin Beiber
Justin Bieber barely had a childhood before landing international stardom. Like many boys his age, he was a cheeky fellow, and his teachers recounted how he was the class clown and landed in trouble many a time due to his antics.
Despite his gimmicks, Justin has always been a go-getter, and it's said he never took no for an answer. If the young man intended on doing something, he'd find a way to make it happen. Justin's yearbook quote has aged well considering how high he has set the bar over the years, winning awards and breaking records.
Kobe Bryant
When Kobe Bryant joined his high school, he immediately made it onto the basketball team from the get-go. That should tell you something about his level of skill and the team's incompetence. Despite the latter, Kobe didn't let it get him down; instead, he used everything in his power to turn things around.
His tenacity and leadership skills prompted the whole team to get better, and Kobe ended up drawing large crowds to see him play. He was a man of few words and always chose to let his actions speak for him, and that's probably why Kobe never penned a yearbook quote. Instead, he drafted a note of thanks.
Fergie
It's nice to see that Fergie had an eccentric vibe and joyful nature from her younger years. The singer had a colorful high school life, winning the spelling bee, becoming a girl scout, and even excelling academically.
Going by this image and quote, we can immediately feel the aura of popularity and confidence oozing from a baby Fergie. It now makes sense how she was always able to develop some catchy tunes and lyrics over the years. After all, winning a spelling bee is not an easy feat unless the dictionary happens to be your best friend.
Caitlyn Cannon
You might not have seen her on the silver screen, but you must have spotted her somewhere online by now. Her quote has been on the forefront of many activists' lips, and for a good reason. Allow us to introduce Caitlyn Cannon, a forward-thinking young lady who was onto something.
According to Caitlyn, her goal was not to cause an internet frenzy. Instead, she intended to come up with something unique and worthwhile that would leave an impression. Thousands of retweets and mentions later, our good lady has indeed made a mark, and we are sure that Caitlyn's glowing smile is a permanent feature on her face now.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez has always been open in admitting that she's a hopeless romantic. When interviewed years ago after her split with Marc Anthony, the star pointed out she'll always believe in romance because she's an "eternal optimist about love." It seems she had that belief even as a high schooler since her yearbook quote is all about the joy of loving someone.
There's really nothing wrong with having a healthy dose of romanticism, as long as one doesn't make an idol out of their romantic partner. We believe the actress-singer is relatively safe from that pitfall, and we hope Jennifer will finally find her "forever person" soon.
Ryan Reynolds
If there's a word we can associate Ryan Reynolds with (well, aside from handsome and dashing, that is), it's definitely "fast-talker." The actor can spill words at a lightning pace; no wonder he was cast as the fast-talking Detective Pikachu in POKÉMON Detective Pikachu.
So, it's not surprising that the actor "blabbered on" instead of giving short and simple words in his high school yearbook. It wouldn't be Ryan at all if he'd done it any differently. The Canadian-born actor had always been friendly, seeing that he made many friends in high school based on his yearbook quote.
Blake Lively
Since Blake Lively deferred going to college for a year already when she was cast as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, it's doubtful this is an accurate yearbook quote. Nevertheless, we're pretty sure everyone did love her; after all, who wouldn't love someone who was all of these things - a member of the championship choir, popular cheerleader, and class president.
Not only that, further proof of how incredibly popular Blake was when she attended Burbank High School is the entire page dedicated to her and her boyfriend at the time. It truly is like she's a real-life Serena!
Timothy Howard
True to his word, soccer star Timothy Howard did not let anyone hold him back from pursuing his dreams. Today, the athlete is considered as "one of the greatest goalkeepers in American soccer history." The impact of his words becomes even more profound once people found out he was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and OCD as a child.
Indeed, Timothy did not let his conditions stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. Also, not many are aware that he was already a basketball star in high school; Timothy even made it to the state finals!
Amy Adams
There's this belief that if a student studies hard and focuses on academics, they will probably become successful adults. Well, that is definitely not the case for Amy Adams, who admitted she hated high school. Who would have thought, right? Straight from the actress's mouth, she didn't have a particular skill set back then, so Amy didn't feel the need to pursue college.
Of course, that's because she hadn't found her passion yet. Thank goodness Amy discovered musical theater, which became a stepping stone to Hollywood. Now she's an award-winning Hollywood actress with an enviable net worth and millions of fans!
Tom Brady
Now here's a young man who knew the direction he wanted to pursue after high school – professional football! It seems the quarterback didn't need a well-known quote to leave for his schoolmates to remember him by; instead, he used his own. So, what does Tom Brady means with his words?
He was probably reminding people that they should be ready for it if they are faced with a great opportunity. Because the famous athlete was prepared for it himself, and he'd made an effort to be noticed by college coaches by senior year. So, Tom's attempts were successful, and now he's a seven-time Super Bowl champion.
Henry Rollins
Who knew that Henry "Hank the Crank" Garfield, who did not have any inclination towards liking hardcore punk in high school, would end up as the frontman of Black Flag? One thing we're sure of, though, he liked skating and advocated for clean living. Unlike other celebrities who did not like their high school experience, Henry has only nice words to say for his alma mater.
According to the star, the all-male preparatory school taught him the strong work ethic he has today. No wonder the Black Flag frontman is so successful – after his band broke up, Henry started 2.13.61, his own record label, and even a publishing company.
Rachel Bilson
If there's a perfect yearbook quote to accompany Rachel Bilson's high school photo, it should be, "Remember to ask Rami Malek's permission first." We are, of course, referring to the issue regarding Rachel's posting a throwback photo on social media that included the actor.
The picture was harmless, just two high schoolers smiling for the camera. Nevertheless, the Bohemian Rhapsody actor didn't like it for the simple reason he values his privacy. Who knew the schoolmates would both end up in Hollywood? Well, at least for the O.C. actress, it was inevitable since she comes from a show business family.
John Legend
When John Legend was just a boy, his quote for the school yearbook was way ahead of his time. Nowadays, feminism is at the forefront of people's minds, and women's rights are being advocated daily. Yet, back when John wrote this, he was most likely one in a million schoolkids who thought this way.
It is even more impressive that such a young man could possess this kind of foresight and wisdom. John's yearbook quote highlighted his belief that all men should uphold feminism because if they cared about women's rights more, the world would be a far better place. Well said, John!
Taylor Swift
Although Taylor Swift’s high school yearbook quotes remain a bit of a mystery to us, many of her peers enjoy sharing their personal stories about the superstar. When Taylor was in grade one, she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up by her teacher. She replied, “I want to be a stockbroker because my dad is one.”
While Taylor never got to fulfill that dream, we wonder if it is still something she thinks about occasionally. Being an internationally known singer with many accolades under her belt, we suspect that Taylor has left that dream far behind.
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling had a very fitting yearbook quote especially considering the gentleman he's grown up to become and what he stands for today. The A-list actor's yearbook quip stated that he liked films with strong female characters since there were so many strong women in his life.
That is a rare insight into Ryan's personal life that warms the cockles of our hearts. Any man that appreciates female role models in his life is a guy to look up to. In retrospect, the quote also foreshadows the path Ryan took in his life. It's as though he was already manifesting his eventual acting career into existence.
Kim Kardashian
There are multiple pictures on the internet from when Kim Kardashian was in school. However, none of those truly hint at what the reality stars yearbook quote actually was. With her show Keeping up with the Kardashians, Kim has had the world watching her whole life from a young age.
Given how the reality TV star turned mogul has grown up in front of the cameras, Kim's got quite a few iconic quotes by now. Some of her sayings have produced laughter, while others inspired personal growth for many fans worldwide. There are now even graduates who've quoted Kim's words in their own yearbook quotes.
Emma Watson
Harry Potter films franchise actress Emma Watson began her acting career as a child and due to extensive filming schedules had to be schooled onset. When she finally graduated from Brown University, the quote in her yearbook stressed the importance of seeing gender as a much more fluid concept than simply two sets of opposing ideals. How profound!
Emma definitely has a grasp of modern-day issues with her inclusive approach to equal rights. We are now slowly moving towards a world of acceptance as gender barriers are blurring. People can finally be whoever they want to be while finding acceptance that mostly eluded them in life.
Matthew McConaughey
Superstar Matthew McConaughey has definitely been blessed with good looks from an early age. The talented actor attended school in Texas and was a member of several clubs and sports teams. His senior class voted him “Most Handsome,” which isn’t surprising at all.
After graduating, Matthew would wait for 30 years before finally picking up his diploma since he was away from his hometown that whole time. While he seemed to have enjoyed his school days, Matthew disclosed not too long ago that he had some upsetting encounters during that time though they only served to strengthen him.
Taylor Lautner
When Taylor Lautner said he hated shirts, he probably meant it because the American actor and model never outgrew that hatred. Well, at least he and his Twilight fans had the time of their lives. Taylor was super active in school and was involved in hip-hop classes, baseball, and karate. He also played in the school’s Turkey Bowl football game and won the best smile award.
Despite his achievements and energetic personality, Taylor acknowledged that he somehow felt like an outcast due to missing most of his school days whenever he’d be on set shooting a movie. We’re glad that eventually paid off; just look at his career now.
Lea Michele
Is there another child prodigy quite like Lea Michele because we doubt there is really! The actress, who was driven from a young age, went to Tenafly High school in New Jersey. Lea was a choir member while also part of the debate set and the volleyball team!
Her character on Glee seems a reflection of who Lea actually is since she took whatever stage job came her way while working part-time at a bat mitzvah dress shop close to her home. She would not have known it then, but Lea was about to get her first massive break on Broadway as a child actress.
Sandra Bullock
Before becoming a Hollywood bigwig and America’s sweetheart, Sandra Bullock was your average girl living next door in Virginia. She was a cheerleader and class clown at her Washington- Lee High school in Arlington, no different from her classmates.
Sources have it that Sandra was fluent in German, a member of the thespian honor society, and took regular part in ski club. She was into everything you can think of in school and always stole the show. It seems Sandra certainly carried all of that along with her into her phenomenally successful acting career.
Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert's sweet and melodious voice has endeared him to millions of fans across the globe. Still, before all the fame and the money came calling, Lambert was just a regular boy next door from a small town in San Diego, California. He always had a thing for music and was a member of his school's jazz, choir, and theater clubs.
His classmates can remember Adam performing during their high school graduation ceremony and constantly saying how he wished for a career that wouldn't require waking up early. Fortune smiled at this star because the world would later see him on American Idol, and the rest is history.
Courteney Cox
These words are probably perfect for high school Courteney Cox, who once dreamed of becoming an architect. She didn't know what life would be like after schooling was over – she planned to study architecture, yet she ended up in Hollywood. Yet, it was indeed Courteney's destiny since she's accomplished a lot in her chosen career.
Had she pursued architecture, she'd probably be known only in the U.S. by now, but thanks to her change of plans, the Friends star is famous worldwide. We can almost hear the actress as Monica agreeing with us, saying, "I know!"
Stephen Colbert
Even in high school, Stephen Colbert was already one hilarious guy. Not to mention, he was pretty busy with all the extra-curricular activities he was involved in. Nevertheless, despite the humor behind the words he left behind in his high school yearbook, it might have a little bit of truth in it.
When The Late Show with Stephen Colbert host was ten years old, his father and two brothers passed away due to an aviation accident. The experience made him "detached," and he had trouble making friends. Still, Colbert was able to pull through a difficult period in his life to become one of the funniest people on television today!
Cameron Diaz
Not at all a popular kid in school, that didn't stop Cameron Diaz from striving to become a tour de force later on in life. She was bullied in high school for being thin and grew up in a simple home where her family struggled to make ends meet.
Interestingly, Cameron was also classmates with Snoop Dogg, although their future career trajectories would be worlds apart. It's hard to imagine her mean classmates' reaction after Cameron's breakthrough in the entertainment industry and how they must have felt. Envious maybe; ashamed, hopefully!
Kanye West
We can't really imagine the modern entertainment industry without Kanye West's enigmatic presence. The talented musician is always making headlines, whether it's grabbing the mic at an award ceremony, posting emotional outbursts on social media, dropping the latest Yeezy sneakers, or even running for president!
One cannot help wondering how Mr. West was in his school years, but one thing's for sure, he was a goofy-looking teenager who was always up to something. Kanye started rapping and writing poetry at age five and always claimed he wanted to become the best rapper in the world. With 21 Grammys and tremendous wealth to his name, Kanye's living his dream.
Anderson Cooper
Anderson Cooper's charm did not just appear recently; he was already the lunch ladies' and teachers' favorite back in high school. Young Anderson was a witty, bright-eyed, and eccentric kid who always got frustrated with his peers for not understanding why he was so passionate about everything.
He was also a bona fide prankster whose yearbook quote was both incredibly witty and hilarious. Like most things Anderson did in those days, not many people got the joke but fast forward to many years later, and this star is now sitting on top of the world. These days everyone takes notice when Anderson's got something to say.
Beyoncé
This diva clearly did not have an awkward phase during her adolescence and was already an inspiration to girls around her. Queen Bey's quote is equally motivational and indicates her exceptional strength of character. Anybody is bound to feel jealous looking at this picture because Beyoncé looks as amazing now as she did then.
Victoria Beckham
Before she became Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham was known as Victoria Adams, a stylish British teen who stood out from her peers and struggled with the basic things in life, including self-confidence. Posh says that her awkwardness would make classmates bully her, so she didn't have many friends in school.
Despite her social struggles, Victoria's dazzling persona started blooming from a young age. She enjoyed experimenting with her look and would be sent to the bathroom to remove makeup many times at school. Victoria's teachers must now realize that all that glamor was a showbiz career calling for the young lady to join the A-list world.
Tom Cruise
Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise was a go-getter from a young age who started training and excelling in martial arts, not knowing that he would later become one of Hollywood's most bankable and famous action heroes. Tom was also one of the finest wrestlers in high school, although he stopped at one point.
When his family relocated to New Jersey from Kentucky, young Tom wasn't happy with the move and expressed his frustration by wrestling once again. One time he got injured, and during his recovery period, the celebrity took up acting. Those formidable fighting skills would eventually make Tom the A-list superstar that we know today.
Bruce Willis
Buck was extremely popular in school and was elected class president. That is Bruce Willis we are talking about, and yes, that's a head full of long blonde hair. Even in school, Bruce already had many talents to his name and was quite the heartthrob. He was a harp player in a band, and we can imagine girls going gaga over this handsome young fellow.
The actor actually wanted to become a professional harp player, but things have turned out differently for him. Aren't we happy about it, though? It's hard to imagine modern-day Hollywood without smash-hit films like The Sixth Sense and Pulp Fiction, so thank you, Bruce!
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts, back in high school, was neither a nerd nor popular. She was beautiful, as evident in this picture, but that was all. The Pretty Woman star wasn’t precisely making heads turn during grade school. That is so hard to believe, considering the grace and charm that she is known for today.
It is indeed their bad luck that the boys in Roberts’ school did not notice her from the go. Eventually, they did start talking about her, but by then, it was already too late. Julia was already well on her way to stardom, the “school that’s even harder.”
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver’s dreams have indeed come true. She has accomplished her desire of being anything but ordinary. Both her fans and her younger self must be pretty happy about it. It looks like, at least for some people, dreams can materialize after all.
Young Sigourney had a hard time in high school because she was five feet ten inches tall and would quite literally stand out from the crowd. The Alien star would eventually go on to climb the tallest ladder of success. Apart from her exceptional career as an actress, she also graduated from Yale and Stanford. Beautiful, unique, and highly educated, Sigourney is the quintessential modern woman.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence is your typical case of dealing with awkwardness in high school, glimpses of which are left behind in her high school yearbook. Here she may look like an ordinary teenager, but the young student would drop out of school to pursue a career in acting at the tender age of just fourteen!
Jennifer may not have a certificate or a diploma today, but these things aren't the only signs of success. She believed that higher education was not her calling, and as it turns out, her hunch was right. Jennifer wanted to build her career right away, and boy, what a stellar one that's turned out to be!
Channing Tatum
It seems some celebrities were born to be iconic heartthrobs from the get-go. Channing Tatum is a member of that elite club, considering how his high school life has been documented. The man was also a self-proclaimed jock in those days, and we are inclined to agree with him there.
It's said that Channing was quite mischievous and spent a good number of his school days in the Principal's office. Believe it or not, he also called himself Chan back then, adding further pep to his eventual style evolution. So we guess signing off his senior yearbook with a Vince Lombardi quote was just the icing on the cake.