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 from 2007 to 2024, Art Aguirre was designing the sets.

 This treasured tradition has continued through the generous support of SMHS parents, community members, and local businesses and organizations.  Each year, over 220 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 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.

 This year there are 207 seniors.  After the Graduation ceremony, the seniors will arrive in their Graduation attire and proceed to the large gym for dinner. After dinner and the entertainment, the seniors will change clothes for the rest of the night and enjoy the casino, and games, and submit their raffle tickets for prizes.  The event will conclude at 5:00 am.