Sixty minutes after their ceremony ended on June 6th, 61 graduated seniors from Friday Harbor High School began the all night adventure known as Grad Night.  Family and friends shouted and waved as the school buses departed with horns blaring.

In 2007, senior students’ parents teamed up with the Prevention Coalition to offer a safe and unforgettable evening.  With an enormous amount of donations, planning, volunteers and execution, the tradition continues.  Preparation started early in the school year with a dedicated group of senior parents planning fundraising events and mapping out various options for activities.  Nine months later all of the hard work paid off.

All this planning is a closely held secret.  The committee refers to the various sites by number, to help ensure there are no slip-ups!  What happened at grad night this year?

After leaving FHHS, the class was treated to a BBQ tri-tip steak dinner.  Bubble Ball soccer got the blood flowing and amped up the group for their next event.  Next, the graduates were treated to an intimate performance by former islanders, The Good Husbands.  One chaperone noted, “I’ve never seen a whole class dance together like that before.”  A bonfire, donuts, espresso, and custom airbrushed t-shirts rounded out the stop.  After a short drive, wish lanterns slowly rose into a still and starry sky from a beach before the buses moved on to the next site. There, all enjoyed laser tag, human foosball, a slide show, a DJ, photo booth, Italian sodas, and pizza.

Next the group went swimming and hot tubbing.  Massages, hair styling, caricature artist, and smoothies were on site as well. A continental breakfast and Grad Night picture slide show were provided at the next stop.  Finally, a 45-minute sunrise cruise wrapped up an evening that several grads characterized as “the best night of my life.”

Back where they started 12 hours later, the tired and happy graduates headed for home for a much-needed nap.

Grad Night couldn’t happen without the selfless effort by many parents, chaperones, bus drivers, community members, and businesses.  We hope our advertisement in this issue of the Journal includes all of those who contributed!

Project Grad Night is such a special event and exemplifies our small community.  We are fortunate to be part of such an amazing place!

Jennifer Ayers

Grad Night committee