Tis’ the season for grad parties among the class of 2017.

Having a party to celebrate the end of an era is a rite of passage for high school seniors.

The list of invitations for such parties is usually fairly extensive, consisting of the many people that have made an impact on the life of the graduate.

“I will invite family, friends, teachers, whoever really!” Jack Lugo said.

“I will invite close family and friends” Alison Bishop said.

“I’m actually having two parties.” Audrey Wagner said. “One for my relatives just at my house and then a conjoined one with all my friends, family friends neighbors and coaches that I’ve had.”
Some graduates choose to incorporate a theme into their party and others like to simply celebrate the occasion.

“There isn’t a theme! Just an open house setup with three other friends of mine from church.” Lugo said.

“It is kind of going to be Hawaiian but now we’re getting the taqueria so it’s a mix.” Gemma Rizzuto said.

The theme solely depends on preference, most of the time the party just represents what college the student is going to be attending in the fall.

Often times, the party is a celebration of both the student and their parents in regards to how they helped the graduate accomplish the ultimate goal of attending their desired university.

“I feel like it’s more of a celebration of what we’ve accomplished, and our parents are proud of us, but it’s definitely more for us,” Rizzuto said.

“I don’t know if it particularly applies to one of us. I am excited to celebrate my going off to college with people who helped me get to where I am,: Lugo said, “but I know my parents also want to celebrate me! They’re proud of me and want to have the party too!”

A common misconception among seniors is that grad parties are necessary when, in reality, it is really the choice of the family and the graduate.

Although, many believe that it is a nice way to commemorate a very important occasion.

“It’s not necessary, but it’s fun and I recommend it because graduation is a big deal, and it’s nice to have one,” Wagner said.

“Having a party is necessary, but I think it depends on what you’d consider a party,” Rizutto said, “I think that definition can range from just having your intimate family to having the entire class.”

The number of invites is also up to the graduate, in terms of whether they would prefer a small gathering or a full blown party.

“Since I am combining my grad party with 3 other friends, the party should be pretty large. We share a good-sized common group of friends, but they go to Del Oro so there will be a pretty big amount!” Lugo said. “With all the families, friends and teachers considered, I know I have invited 100 or so, and my friends have the ability to invite as many as they would.”

Regardless of the amount of people invited, the parties still take an extensive amount of planning.

“The party does require planning,” Bishop said, “you have to make sure your house is clean and get the cake, food, decorations, who you want to invite, mail the invitations and on top of every other senior event, (senior ball) and schoolwork it gets stressful.”

Preferences range in terms of how students choose to throw their party but the event is really just to celebrate their graduation, however that may be.