A Night to Remember: SLV Grad Night 2026 Celebrates 40+ Years of Keeping Graduates Safe
By Mary Andersen
On the evening of June 5, hundreds of seniors from San Lorenzo Valley and Coast Redwood High Schools filed onto the SLVHS campus to experience one last unforgettable night together. From 8 pm until 3 am, the campus was transformed into a jungle-themed extravaganza — fire dancers, a mechanical bull, karaoke, poker tables, a magician, DoorDash deliveries, and a waterfall centerpiece among the many surprises awaiting them. Of the 156 eligible seniors, 136 attended.
But behind the spectacle lies a purpose that has driven this community tradition for more than four decades.
Start of a Tradition
SLV Grad Night was founded more than 40 years ago in direct response to a sobering national reality: graduation night is statistically one of the most dangerous nights of the year for teenagers. Across the country, senior proms and graduation celebrations have historically seen the highest rates of fatal accidents among teens. Parents in the San Lorenzo Valley decided they could do something about that.
The result was a parent-led, entirely volunteer-run event designed to give graduating seniors a “Safe and Sober” all-night celebration — one so compelling that students would choose it over other options. And it has worked. The event boasts a 90% attendance rate among eligible seniors, a number that reflects both the caliber of the experience and the community trust behind it.
Now in its 42nd year, Grad Night remains true to its roots: no alcohol, no substances, no risk — just an all-night party for seniors.
The Organizers Behind the Magic
This year’s event was made possible by a core team of dedicated parent volunteers who spent months planning, building, fundraising, and problem-solving. Leading the charge were President Jen Ramsey, Vice President Debbie Dixon, Secretary Ari Luke, and Treasurer Peg Weisse. Shawnee and Dave Dunning, owners of Legend Theatrical, headed construction and decoration, designing and building the elaborate jungle theme that wowed students the moment they arrived. (See photo at top of page, l to r: Shawnee Dunning, Jen Ramsey, Ari Luke, Debbie Dixon)
Dozens of other community members filled critical roles: Bethany Coffer managed social media, Kaytie Booth handled catering, Paige Garrahan secured raffle prizes, Kat Gafford coordinated dine-out fundraisers, Kevin Newberry managed entertainment, Peter and Wendy Frier handled electrical, Jeannette Lang and her team ran the check-in process, Toni Jeffery spearheaded fundraising and donations. Shelley Carroll contributed handmade flowers and Arbor MD donated live palm trees.
Behind them was an even larger army of volunteers — parents, community members, and local businesses — who gave their time, money, and muscle to make the night happen.
A Night Packed with Surprises
True to its tradition of secrecy — the theme is always kept hidden from students until the night itself — Grad Night 2026 delivered one surprise after another. Seniors arrived to find a fully immersive jungle environment complete with a waterfall centerpiece, glow booth, photo stations, and an art station. Entertainment included fire dancers, a mechanical bull, an obstacle course, line dancing lessons, a magician show, DJ and dancing, and karaoke. Students could also visit a hat-making booth, hair tinsel station, and temporary tattoo station.
Food flowed throughout the night, with Taco Bell, pizza, and Jack in the Box delivered via DoorDash, alongside fresh fruit smoothies. Every senior received a $50 gift card, and raffle prizes included Apple Watches, Bluetooth speakers, a PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch, and dozens more items donated by the community.
A Community That Shows Up
The 2026 event raised over $50,000 — a testament to the generosity of San Lorenzo Valley residents, local businesses, and families who understand what this night means. Funds came through direct donations, a Wine, Beer & Chocolate fundraiser, a Goodwill donation drive, dine-out events, and merchandise raffles.
As the jungle set came down in the days following the event, organizers were already expressing gratitude — and already thinking ahead. True to the spirit of the program, leads for the Class of 2027’s Grad Night have already been identified, and planning is underway. Shawnee Dunning, whose theatrical expertise helped define this year’s theme, is reportedly already envisioning ideas two years out.
Bethany Coffer said, “The jungle is coming down but we’re still smiling about what an incredible Grad Night 2026 turned out to be! It was such a privilege to be part of creating a night packed with fun, surprises, laughter, and memories for our seniors. Thanks to an amazing community, we raised over $50,000 to give our graduates a celebration they will never forget.”
For those who want to get involved with future events, the committee welcomes volunteers and donors year-round. Grad Night meetings are held in the SLVHS Multi-Purpose Room on the second Tuesday of each month, during the school year. For more information, email slvhsgradnight@gmail.com or visit slvgradnight.com.
(Photos by Bethany Coffer)
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