As the end of the year draws closer, seniors are beginning to think about how to conclude with a little pizzazz.

That is not to say, however, that we have procrastinated in planning “grad night.” In fact, most of the class assumed that our grad night would be at the same popular destination as last year’s—Disneyland.

Disneyland closes down and holds special nights for graduating seniors. The event includes several dance floors and unlimited rides. (See story, p. 1).

During our senior morning meetings, we have, on several occasions, discussed grad night at Disneyland. Always, it seems, the popular majority is extremely excited about it. One such meeting ended in a roaring crowd, shouting with excitement.

In an Octagon poll seniors were asked to rate their excitement about grad night at Disneyland on a 1-10 scale—from “strongly opposed” to “very excited.” The average “excitement factor” for the trip was 8.2. In the democratic society we live in, it seems like such a strong approval would clearly indicate that the senior grad night should be at Disneyland.

Recently, however, some new players have entered the grad night game—parents. While we fully understand that our parents’ voices should be heard (especially since they are the ones funding the event) we respectfully ask that they allow us to pick the location.

Relatively few parents were worried about the cost. But, for those who were, several senior parents stepped up and assisted those who needed it. No person will be unable to go because of their financial situation.

While fiscal concerns are understandable, some of the opposition has been regarding the quality of our grad night.

One father said in an e-mail to other parents of seniors, “Why are we even considering an activity as shallow as Disneyland for our thoughtful, bright, and accomplished seniors in the first place?”

This sort of objection is unjustifiable. The goal of the senior grad night is for us to have a good time with each other. And, by a large margin, the seniors say they want Disneyland.

Parents shouldn’t intervene to change the plans simply because Disneyland isn’t their idea of a “good time.”