About Grad Night
How it started . . .
In 1955, Mr. Green - a movie studio executive and San Marino resident - conceived the first Grad Night following a tragic accident on Prom Night. He wanted to give his daughter and the entire graduating class a lavish and safe all-night celebration of dining and entertainment. Under his direction, the first Grad Night was designed by Joel Schiller, who continued to design the sets for 37 years, each year with a different theme chosen by the graduating seniors. Since 1993, the Grad Night sets have been created by several SMHS alumni, and since 2007, Art Aguirre has been designing the sets.
This treasured tradition has continued through the generous support of SMHS parents, community members, and local businesses and organizations. Each year, hundreds of volunteers have devoted thousands of hours to Grad Night by way of planning, fundraising, construction, painting, and staffing.
SMHS Grad Night is steeped with several traditions including much of the format, such as a sit-down dinner served by Junior class dads, unlimited food throughout the night, a DJ, dancing, gaming, and activities such as a hypnotist and magician. Since many in our community are also SMHS alumni, Grad Night continues to be a special legacy passed on to each graduating class and is truly one of the most memorable moments amongst all alumni.
Grad Night in Numbers
1
Magical Night
206
Graduates Celebrated
250+
Volunteers Total
6+
Months of Building