The Night Every Senior Looks Forward to: GradBash

This year’s graduating class of 2025 ventured to the wondrous Universal Studios to take a break from all the academic pressure and fears of the future with some fun rides alongside good friends. 

It’s a traditional yearly trip that’s hyped up during the week of Monday, April 7th, to Thursday, April 10th. Seniors had their own special spirit week with daily themes like Teacher Twin Day and Bon Voyage. All to ignite excitement toward Friday, April 11th, the official day of GradBash.

“Dressing up with my friends was fun, but Friday’s definitely the best part. We can just roam the park and do whatever we like. Definitely worth it,” senior, Jessica Estrella commented. 

Which perfectly encapsulates the magic of GradBash. There are no real rules, besides the basics: always remain with a partner or group, no stealing, and no skipping, because, according to 12th grader Jordan Cristobal, “They’d put you in ‘Universal Jail.” So, seniors grasp their independence tightly and enjoy the park and all its wonders. 

The trip itself is a four-hour bus ride from our school to Universal. Friends pack together, snuggling with their blankets and planning out their schedules throughout. There’s lots to do, like riding the roller coasters that defy gravity and eating at restaurants decorated with childhood favorite characters.

Once they arrive at 7 PM, instructions are given, and tickets are handed out. Everyone checks in, and from then on, the parks are the seniors’ oyster.

Some wait in the long lines, others happily walk around the specialized wonderlands filled with movie, show, and comic references. Fun can be found at either of the two parks available to them. No matter what the seniors choose to do, though, they’re making memories that will last beyond high school.

The night is young when the sun fully sets, and after-dark fun can be had. All the rides and buildings light up with bright colors, tingling everyone with a childish sense of joy and wonder. 

Jude Zayez shared, “At night, the park is really cool. Everything is lit, you can barely see anything but the big roller coasters. The darkness makes everything pop, it was incredible to experience–especially with my friends.”

With all the fun and adrenaline filling their veins, it’s hard for the seniors to depart. Alas, at around 1 AM, it’s time to reboard the bus and journey back to Ferguson. 

The ride back is silent, a juxtaposition to the loud and cheery atmosphere from before. Students rest, letting their exhaustion lull them to sleep until they arrive back at school. Hopefully, the memories made will make everyone smile when they look back on GradBash 2025. It’s truly a reward after the many years of schooling and academics the seniors have endured.