Graduation and bright futures draw closer by the day for Aliso Niguel’s class of 2024, but the Grad Nite celebration allows fellow students to enjoy a fun night together one last time.
This year’s Grad Nite is set for June 5, 2024, one week after graduation. Seniors who bought tickets will have full reign over Disney’s California Adventure Park. The event’s main goal is to give graduates the opportunity to spend one more night together, having fun and making memories that will last them through their college years and far into the future.
Mrs. Smith is the PTSA President and was one of the key figures who planned the event.
She described the night as,“the one last night to be with your fellow seniors, your friends.”
Those who chose to go can expect to spend the entire day at the amusement park. Seniors must begin to arrive at school at around 1:00 p.m. in order to be registered and receive their wristbands permitting them to enter the park, and then they will be ushered onto buses provided by the school. The group is expected to arrive at the park at roughly 3:00 p.m. From then on out, students will have full access to the park and its amenities alongside the general public.
While the night may be a bittersweet moment for some, many students are very excited for this last chance for high school fun. Ky Herman (12) said, “I’m going to enjoy my last time I get to see my friends.”
The highlight of the event is that after 9:00 p.m., when the Disney’s California Adventure Park will be closed to the general public. A special DJ and photobooth will be available to participants to add to the available activities in the park. The unrestricted access to rides and food within the park is a once in a lifetime opportunity, eliminating the usual long lines that discourage many from fully enjoying everything the park has to offer.
This year, 325 of Aliso Niguel High School seniors have purchased their tickets. The group is set to be accompanied by 16 additional chaperones, alongside all the other groups from other schools who are also participating in the event.
The chaperones consist of mostly parent volunteers, including some alumni parents and PTSA parents as well as fellow community members.
The chaperones’ main goal is to ensure the night remains civil. The adults take a step back for the night, allowing graduates to have free reign over the park without being accompanied. However, if a situation arises, the chaperones will step in to ensure the night remains safe and fun for everyone.
Currently, the event has 14/16 required chaperones, if someone is interested in participating, they can reach out to the PTSA via email as they are currently looking for additional aid.
Seniors should know what they should and should not bring to the event. Disney has very strict policies on what is permitted to enter the park. Students are allowed to bring: their phone as well as a portable charger, a sealed water and snacks, appropriate attire that aligns with school dress code and a backpack to fit it all in.
Participants are not allowed to bring medicine or drug paraphernalia, alcohol, or any glass containers.
Grad Nite is a last chance for the class of 2024 to have careless high school fun with the peers that they have spent the last four years alongside.
