High School Grad Nights Ever More Elaborate

The tradition started with the simplest of intentions: a parent-sponsored all-night party meant to keep new high school graduates safe on what is statistically one of the most dangerous nights of their young lives.

But as each new group of parents has strived to outdo the previous year’s fete, some volunteer-run decorating committees have given way to professional party producers, and high school gymnasiums have been abandoned for more exotic venues.

The average graduation night party in California now costs about $20,000, according to Karen Dombeck, executive director of GRADS, a San Diego nonprofit that runs seminars for parents on how to throw a grad night party. For some grad nights this year the price tag has reached $40,000.

Although students at many local schools--including Fairfax, North Hollywood, Van Nuys and Glendale--spend their first night as high school graduates at Disneyland, all-out grad night parties are practically de rigueur at dozens of other high schools. Some of the more elaborate affairs boast bungee jumping from trampolines, virtual reality pods, hypnotists, handwriting analysts, laser tag and videotaped karaoke.

Every grad night shindig centers on one basic idea: The party lasts all night, and once a student is there, he or she cannot leave until it’s over. That way, the new graduates will not be out on the roads, and they cannot drink. In fact, most grad night parties end with breakfast.

Beyond that, some parents will throw money at almost anything they believe will keep their young graduates happy and out of trouble.

Since 1991, Santa Monica High School has celebrated grad night with an elaborate “cruise ship” at the school. Seniors choose which port they want to “sail” to. This year’s choice was the Caribbean.

The school’s four tennis courts were transformed into everything one would expect to find on a cruise ship--and more. The casino area included professional dealers from Las Vegas and prizes donated by local businesses. Carnival games, faux sumo wrestling, and even a Velcro wall--at which students dressed in Velcro could hurl themselves--rounded out the offerings.

Terri Cohen, one of the parent organizers of the event, estimated that the party, which usually draws 89% to 98% of the seniors, cost between $30,000 and $45,000. Ticket prices ranged from $35 at the beginning of the year to $65 at the door.

“It’s a lifesaving event,” Cohen said. “We feel if we can keep them in an environment that is safe and sober and fun, it is a gift of love from the parents in the community.”

Times staff writer Nona Yates contributed to this report.