Stephanie Peng
Staff Writer

After ball, picnic, and skip-day, our senioritis-infected brains are ready to abandon high school altogether… except for the promise of one last amazing event, Grad Night.

The details of this post-graduation party are mostly being kept a surprise. But one thing’s for sure: the parents volunteers are putting their their blood, sweat, and tears into making the last night of high school a memorable one.

“We’re typically not involved in this at all,” said senior and Leadership member Bryan Williamson. “It’s all done by the parents.”

Decorations and activities coordinator Eileen Abajian has been involved in Grad Night planning for the third time and believes this year’s will be bigger and better than the other ones she has planned.

“This is a big deal, a big show. As parents we try to plan what you guys want to do even though it’s not necessarily what we, as parents, would think is fun,” said Eileen Abajian.

As with past years, there will be a DJ, dancing, prizes, raffles, food, and games. But this year, there are rumors of brand new attractions that are being kept top-secret.

“One of these in particular is really going to excite the kids,” said parent coordinator Theresa Fernandez. “I don’t want to give anything else away because it has to be a surprise.”

One of the major challenges was that out of 1200 senior parents, only a fraction stepped up to volunteer. It surprised the committee how many parents chose not to get involved in Grad Night.

“And how little people sign up for clean-up… no one likes to do clean-up,” Fernandez adds with a laugh. “I appreciate every minute of help though.”

With a team of about 50 parents, and 15 committee chairpeople in charge of details such as fundraising and registration, Fernandez estimates that they are putting in about 20 hours every week.

There’s also been a lower number of registered attendees, which affects the budget and the planning.

“We have over 430 people registered, but we were expecting more,” said fundraiser coordinator Collette Ricks.

One thing that may be deterring students from attending Grad Night is the $150 price tag for an on-campus party. For a similar price, some other high schools hold their Grad Nights off-campus at locations such as cruises or amusement parks.

“[Our price] is definitely worth it. I don’t think people understand how expensive food, entertainment, and security are for 500 kids at a party from 9pm – 4 a.m.,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez also says that holding the party on-site means there’s a larger variety of activities. Seniors will have the entire campus as opposed to being limited by space on, say, a cruise boat.

“Just because an off-site venue is prettier doesn’t mean it’s more fun,” said Fernandez.

Overall, despite the slight shortage of parent volunteers and registered seniors, Grad Night is promised to be everything we’re expecting it to be.

“We’re making it fun enough for everyone to want to come. It will be a safe and really amazing party,” said Fernandez. “It’s one last chance to hang out with their friends all together before everyone part ways.”

Abajian agrees that the people, not the place or the activities, will make Grad Night memorable.

“The best part will be enjoying each others’ company. This will be the last time to reach out to people you might, realistically, never see again,” said Abajian. “[Seniors will be able to cherish] the feeling of community and history while it lasts. ”