Ending it With a Bash: Seniors Attend Grad Bash by Cayleigh Choy and Kayla Grant
Jaydin Lombardi, a senior, had a blast at Grad Bash, enjoying the rare chance to spend time with his friends outside of school in such a fun and energetic environment. The group made the most of the night, riding attractions and just enjoying each other’s company. Lombardi was glad he got plenty of sleep the day before. “I get a good amount of sleep the day before so I’m not super tired,” said Lombardi. It helped him stay energized for the full experience. The longest wait of the night was for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, but Lombardi and his friends didn't let that slow them down. They passed the time by playing charades on their phones, turning the long line into another fun memory.
When it came to food, Lombardi kept it simple, grabbing a slice of pizza to hold him over. While the meal didn't exactly impress him, it didn't take away from the overall experience. The real challenge came at the end of the night—leaving the park. With buses lined up for what feels like miles, finding the right one became a bit of an adventure in itself. Lombardi and his friend ended up being the last two to board, closing out the night with a moment that’s just as chaotic as it is funny.
José Torres, a senior, found Grad Bash unforgettable for a more personal reason. He gotthe unexpected opportunity to reconnect with his best friend from freshman year who now goes to another school. “It’s my favorite thing because I haven’t seen him since freshman year,” said Torres. The two reunited at the park and share an adrenaline-filled ride on the VelociCoaster, making it one of the night’s most meaningful moments. Torres came prepared, downloading the Universal app and mapping out his route. He also shared his location with his group so no one got lost along the way. Like Lombardi, the longest line he faces is for the Hagrid ride, but his group keeps the mood light with shadow boxing and charades.
Torres didn't go all out on snacks, but he enjoyed some juicy pineapple that hit the spot. As the night wrapped up, he took his time exiting the park, moving with the crowd without rushing. That laid-back approach means he ended up being the last student to board Bus 4, but for Torres, it’s just part of the adventure. From reconnecting with old friends to making new memories, Grad Bash delivered an experience neither he nor Lombardi will soon forget.
Grad Bash was an unforgettable night filled with excitement and energy. Senior Brandon Mason-Robinson described his overall impression of the event, saying, “It was fun having freedom and going on all the rides was fun.” The atmosphere filled with the laughter and cheers of fellow graduates, though Mason-Robinson noted, “I felt like everyone had fun but a lot of people did not connect.” Despite the mixed feelings about social connections , the vibrant energy of the night made it a memorable experience.
One of the highlights for Mason-Robinson was definitely the rides. Mason-Robinson mentioned “The Incredible Hulk ride” as one of his favorites, even though he admitted, “To be honest I skipped the rides.” Instead of waiting in long lines, he chose to engage in other activities, like the rap battle, which added extra excitement to the experience. The DJ's beats filled the park , and Mason-Robinson recalled the thrilling moments in the “big mosh pit,” which truly brought everyone together.
After three long years of anticipation, Mason-Robinson concluded that the experience was worth the wait, proudly stating, “YES ,it was worth it.” Mason-Robinson would highly recommend Grad Bash to other graduating seniors, emphasizing, “Yes, because it's a once in a lifetime experience” said Mason-Robinson. As for his outfit, most people go big but he kept it casual, Mason-Robinson admitted , “I just put whatever on to be honest, really didn’t plan.” All in all, Grad Bash was a night filled with laughter, fun, and unforgettable memories that Mason-Robinson and his friends would cherish forever.
Caption: Grad Bash lit up the evening for seniors celebrating their final year in high school, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.