Graduates participate in a prior Senior Appreciation Night. The even was started 40 years ago as a way to keep youth from dangerous mountain celebrations. Courtesy photo
BY DIANA MARTINEZ
Volunteer Coordinator
Senior Appreciation Night
About 50 parent and community volunteers are needed to help on Saturday, May 25, 2024, for the community-sponsored, all-night high school graduation celebration event known as Senior Appreciation Night (SAN). The senior event still needs to raise $6,000 of its $12,000 budget.
SAN is 40-years-old this year; it was started by parent and community leaders in 1984 as a way to keep youth from dangerous mountain celebrations.
Today, SAN features a lottery for thousands of dollars’ worth of grand prize giveaways for students who attend all events during the night. The celebration is open to 2024 high school graduates and one guest, who are expected to respect SAN’s sober policy. Students are given tickets at graduation and must attend all of the events to be eligible for grand prizes, including $500 cash.
Below are open positions. Volunteer by emailing the coordinator and indicating your preference at dmartinez@laymca.org, or complete this google form link.
Saturday, May 25, 2025, volunteers needed in parenthesis:
5:45-9 pm: (2) Origami parking lot, Golf Carts, set up obstacle course, right cones that are driven over, need gloves
5:55-10 pm: (1) Magic Mirror in Fuller Lodge
6:45-10 pm: (3) Y Climbing Wall
6:30-11 pm: (4) Laser Tag
6:45-11 pm: (6) Teen Center
6:50-9 pm: (1) PEEC
6:50-9 pm: (5) Boba and Bots
7:25-10:30 pm: (1) Trolly Ride
8-10 pm: (3) Roller Skating
8:45-11: (2) Limbo at Ruby K’s
9:45 and 10:45 pm: (2) Auctioneers at Ehart Center
10 pm-12 am: (1) Library Zone, behind Library
9:30-12 pm: (9) Carnival at Y gym
12:30-1:30 am: (6) Movies at SALA
SAN is funded by donations from parents, businesses and organizations. Donations to SAN may be made in either of three ways: 1) send by texting the word SANLA to the number 707070; 2) through Paypal at https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/SANLA505 ; or send a check made out to The Family YMCA with SAN on the memo line, and mail to SAN, c/o The Family YMCA, 1450 Iris Street, Los Alamos, NM 87544.
ABOUT SAN: The Los Alamos County Recreation Department supports SAN by the donation of staff, a co-chair, and space. The Family YMCA provides a co-chair, space, and is the fiscal agent for SAN. Los Alamos Public School, the Kiwanis, the DWI Planning Council, LAPD, LAFD, and numerous churches, PTOs and businesses also lend manpower and/or financial support to SAN.