What reminds you of your past? The smell of a certain kind of candle? The songs of a band your parents used to play? For some, its the classic cartoons that they spent every day watching. Without the likes of Aang, Scooby and Bubbles, one would not be the same. Here are a select few of the Highlights staff’s favorite childhood cartoons.
Ben Shofet, graphics editor
“Avatar the Last Airbender”
Cartoons have captured the hearts of children for generations. However, “Avatar the Last Airbender” was certainly the most captivating. Avatar is one of the only cartoons that has a complete and legitimate story that extends over a long period of time. In 2010, “The Last Airbender” came out in theatres, taking place during the early days of the Avatar. In fact, the show was so successful, that there was a sequel show created, “The Legend of Korra”. If a cartoon is so successful that it is able to produce a Hollywood movie and a sequel, then without a doubt “Avatar the Last Airbender” is the greatest cartoon of our past time.
Guy Ginsberg, sports editor
“Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends”
“Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends”, which originally aired on Cartoon Network in 2004, follows the story of Mac, a little boy, and his imaginary friend, Bloo, who live in a world where humans coexist with their imaginary friends. Bloo, as well as other imaginary friends such as Wilt, Eduardo and Coco live in an orphanage for outgrown or forgotten imaginary friends owned by Madame Foster, yet run by her own imaginary friend, Mr. Herriman and her granddaughter Frankie. Every character is brilliantly layered in their own way, and Foster’s is an upbeat and thoughtfully designed tale of a young boy’s imagination and dedication to his only true friends. I am forever grateful to this show for showing me the importance of devotion and compassion. 10/10 stars.
Marty Schnapp, news editor
“Teen Titans”
“Teen Titans”, based on the DC Comics series of the same name, revolves around a team of five hilariously immature teenaged superheroes. Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven and Beast Boy use their powers to fight crime in the city, and when they are not at work they are managing personal issues that are relatable to their adolescent viewers. The 2013 follow-up to the show, Teen Titans Go!, tries to mimic the original series’ fast-paced, playful mood but fails to deliver on the original Teen Titans’ unique suspense and intensity.
Lucas Harward, staff writer
“Codename: Kids Next Door” 
The excitement felt as episode names like “Operation: N.A.U.G.H.T.Y.” or “Operation: I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W.S.” get typed across the screen is overwhelming. Prepare for another adventure with your favorite kids. Numbuh 1 (Nigel), Numbuh 2 (Hoagie), Numbuh 3 (Kuki), Numbuh 4 (Wally) and Numbuh 5 (Abby) each have their own special skills, not to mention a different nationality. The epic journey we took with them from earth to the moon as they fought adults with advanced 2×4 technology is one we will never cease to cherish.
Sadie Hersh,  photo editor
“The Powerpuff Girls”
Sugar, spice and everything nice: the initial ingredients Professor Utonium mixed together to create the “Powerpuff Girls”. With a little added “Chemical X”, the flying ladies became symbols for a generation of young women. “The Powerpuff Girls” first aired in 1998 and ran until 2005. Each episode was packed with action, villains, life lessons and three adorable girls. It did not matter if you were a Bubbles, a Buttercup or a Blossom girl, as each girl brought something to the table. Young viewers learned the concept of following the rules, for example, the importance of not stealing and lying. And, most vitally, the show stood for girl power. The three girls all stand for different qualities young girls should aspire for. Buttercup is stubborn, but confident in herself. Blossom is the leader of the three girls and is the most level headed. Bubbles is optimistic and emotional. Putting all of their personalities together makes for the characteristics that should exist in every young girl.
Eleanor Bogart-Stuart,  staff writer

Veronica Pahomova, cartoonist
“Scooby-Doo”
A rag-tag team of five solving mysteries, each person as different as they possibly can be from the next. The clique consists of Velma Dinkley, the genius; Daphne Blake, the attractive one; the Fred Jones, the jock trap-maker; Shaggy Rogers, the entertainment and comic relief; and one of Hollywood’s most iconic dogs, right next to Air Bud and Clifford, the ever so
famous Scooby-Doo. Each and every single member never failed to entice children with their “supernatural” dilemmas, or bring a smile to their face from the many surprising convict catches by the dynamic duo that is Shag and Scoob.