Before they were red-carpet regulars, these future A-listers were just kids saying “cheese” in fluorescent-lit hallways. Some achieved their peak early, some underwent infamous awkward phases, and a few already appeared poised for Hollywood.

1. Paris Hilton

She posted a throwback carousel all the way from elementary school to her “Bad Bitch Academy” graduation. By her late teens, she was modeling, and, of course, would soon reboot fame itself with The Simple Life in 2003.

2. Chris Pratt

He shared this as part of the “Teenage Dirtbag” trend, but let’s face it, he was more of a “student sweetheart” than a dirtbag. At Lake Stevens High, he played football, wrestled, ran track, and gave the graduation speech. Later, he was famously discovered while waiting tables at a Bubba Gump in Maui.

3. Tom Hanks

Skyline High (Oakland, CA), Class of ’74. Honestly, he already has leading man energy. Before winning those two Oscars, Teen Tom had a deep passion for theater and considered community productions his second home.

4. Kevin Bacon

“Ninth grade. Don’t miss it,” Bacon joked, wearing a snazzy turtleneck and all. At 17, he moved to NYC to study at Circle in the Square, which was a bold move that paid off (eventually).

5. Jennifer Garner

Proud band kid with “Sally the sexy saxophone.” She also did years of ballet and later studied theater at Denison University before Alias turned her into an action icon.

6. Michelle Obama

In cap and gown, cheering on the Class of 2021: “You’ve got this.” She attended Chicago’s Whitney Young Magnet High before heading to Princeton and Harvard Law. Yearbook quotes wish they had that résumé.

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