Graduating high school is a monumental achievement, and for the students of Sierra Vista set to cross the stage at Iowa Colony High School on May 23, it’s a chance to honor years of dedication and cherished moments. And what better way to mark this milestone than throwing a party that’s totally “them”? How? Here are a few tips for hosting a graduation bash they will never forget:
Themes with Extra Flair
Graduation parties with themes? Yes, please! Go full college spirit using the colors of your grad’s soon-to-be new school. Take your graduate and guests on a walk down memory lane starting with kindergarten. Outdoors, think tropical vibes that scream “instant vacay.” Make it personal—career goals, favorite sports or that odd fascination with Victorian novels can all inspire. Just keep it as fun, quirky or over-the-top as the grad themselves. They deserve it!
Top Spots for an Epic Grad Party
Time to channel your inner event planner. First things first: location. Hosting at home gives you total creative control. String lights in the backyard? Check. Lawn games? Double check. DIY taco bar? Why not? If you’re not into the whole DIY thing, consider renting a venue. Restaurants, community centers (maybe the Sierra Vista Clubhouse for residents?) and other local spots come with handy amenities like tables, chairs and even catering options. Prefer the great outdoors? Parks offer a blend of charm and open space that’s hard to resist. When it comes to an off-site venue, remember to call and reserve early. There are a lot of seniors looking to party.
Invites That Wow
Invites don’t have to be snooze-worthy. Use Evite or Canva to whip up something fun—school colors, embarrassing photos or even a video message for extra flair. Into paper? Coordinate with the theme. DIY invites can show off your grad’s hobbies or future superstar plans. Just don’t skip the crucial stuff: when, where, RSVP info and a hashtag to make the party the talk of Instagram.
Party Decor That’s Totally Extra
Graduation party decor? Let’s make it epic! Deck the place out in school colors (Iowa Colony High’s burgundy and black, maybe?) or the graduate’s next big adventure theme. Get crafty with DIY photo displays, quirky banners or centerpieces. Show off their journey with awards, photos and keepsakes because, let’s face it, they earned those bragging rights. Mascot? Logo? Sprinkle that in, too! Nail the little touches, and you’ll throw a party they’ll never stop talking about!
Graduation Grub That Steals the Show
When it comes to food, teens want it all. Finger foods like sliders, charcuterie boards and chips with dips are a great start. For mains, go buffet-style with tacos, BBQ or pizza—easy and delicious. Desserts? Themed cupcakes, cookies or an eye-catching centerpiece cake will impress. For drinks, set up a serve-yourself station with lemonade, iced tea and mocktails (because hydration, but make it fun).
Party Games That Even Grandma Will Crush
Make the grad party the talk of the year with games that aren’t lame. Graduate trivia lets people show off, photo scavenger hunts get everyone moving and lawn games bring out hilarious competitiveness. Karaoke is perfect for cringe-worthy moments, and a time capsule adds some future sentiment. Toss in a memory jar, a photo booth and, of course, Bingo, and you’ll have a party people will enjoy.
Congrats Sierra Vista Grads
Class of 2025, your hustle has paid off, and now the world awaits your brilliance—or at least your memes. Whatever’s next, tackle it with confidence, caffeine and a sense of humor. May your future be filled with wins, laughs and perfectly timed Wi-Fi. Congrats, and don’t forget to send a postcard from wherever life takes you!
