Entrance to Grad Nite shows this year’s theme “I Love L.A.”

Grad Nite at Temple City High School went off as planned Friday night, with close to 400 TCHS graduating seniors attending the all-night party. Like the San Marino High School event (Bonita High also does this every year), the campus was transformed into a place of games, rides and stages where students can hang out and celebrate for the night.

Grad Nite tradition began about 17 years ago in Temple City and is a way to counter the going off campus and partying syndrome that often ends in tragedy elsewhere. This tradition in the San Gabriel Valley is not only a community service but it a way to keep seniors safe on their big night.

I was privileged to play a small role in the decorating, set up and the operations. However, the weekend is bittersweet. Although I’m proud of my son, Andy, a graduate and member of the TCHS Class of 2009, he represents our last child completing public education. He’ll be off to college in September.

Here’s to all graduating high school seniors this weekend: Stay safe!