Every year, senior parents and staff organize Grad Night, a party to celebrate the graduating senior class. While 194 out of 308 seniors have bought Grad Night tickets, organizers hope that at least 90% of the class will choose to attend the all-night post-graduation celebration.
This year, Grad Night will be held at the large gym, the small gym, the Quad and parts of the parking lot on June 8, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The check-in time will be from 10 to 10:30 p.m. at the main entrance of the quad.
Historically, there has been music, senior photo compilations, ziplining, inflatables, henna and photo booths at Grad Night, with plenty of food and drinks. Last year’s Grad Night had a pirate theme and the year before was based on “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. As usual, the theme and activities will not be disclosed until Grad Night.
Throughout the night, the parents will play senior videos to reminisce on the fond memories of high school. Towards the end of the event, students will walk to the lower field to see the sunrise.
“I think the sunrise walk is nice because you get to reflect on the past four years,” Grad Night co-lead Monica Reddy said. “This part of Grad Night will be really memorable.”
To attend, students must first fill out a liability form, which can be found at shsgradnight.weebly.com. Tickets cost $285 through PayPal and $275 through Zelle or by check, which can be turned in at the box labeled “2023 Grad Night” on the admin counter. The ticket covers the price of food, drinks, activities and the Grad Night T-shirt, which students must be wearing to enter Grad Night.
To ensure security, there will be parent volunteers supervising the event and no backpacks are allowed. The organizers of Grad Night also said they recommend bringing warm clothes and a blanket to stay comfortable through the night.
“High school is kind of like the foundation of the seniors’ journeys,” Reddy said. “For us parents, it’s going to be very nostalgic. For some of us, it’s the last child leaving the house, so it will be sad and exciting.”