On June 11, Granby Memorial High School graduates celebrated their achievements at the 40th annual Graduation Night Party held at the Farmington Valley YMCA. Organized by Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation, the event, which is free of charge for all graduates, welcomed 105 graduates, representing 80 percent of the Class of 2026.
This year’s theme was “The World is Your Canvas”, and throughout the night, graduates enjoyed a wide range of activities, including swimming, rock wall climbing, the gaga pit, table tennis, foosball, trivia, and bingo. Many tested their balance on the mechanical bull while others competed in the volleyball tournament, where team DEC4TWEA claimed first place and team Gatorade earned “Best Dressed Team.” Graduates also took home personalized keepsakes, including a t-shirt with this year’s logo created by graduate Jenna Stephens as part of an art contest, custom calligraphy by Debby Reelitz-LaVigne, caricatures by Free Lunch Studios or an airbrush tattoo or balloon creations. A photo booth with props helped to capture memories. A wandering magician kept things mysterious. A quiet space offered relaxing chair massages provided by Back in Touch Wellness Center, LLC.
Food and refreshments were available all evening, generously donated by local businesses including Cambridge House Brew Pub, The Verona Pizzeria and Restaurant, New England Pizza and Restaurant, Lost Acres Orchard, Starbucks, as well as many supportive parents.
GPSG is a volunteer-run organization and unaffiliated with Granby Public Schools. The Graduation Night celebration is completely funded by fundraising efforts and generous donations from the community. GPSG extends its deepest gratitude to the Farmington Valley YMCA for once again providing the facility, amenities and staff support that make this tradition possible. Special thanks go to major supporters whose financial contributions and raffle prizes helped bring the night to life: the Granby Community Fund, Zen Restaurant Group, Arrow Concrete Products and Pierce Builders. GPSG also appreciates the many organizations and businesses, as noted in our Recognition page, as well as the many individuals who have supported Safe Grad this year and in years past. We offer special thanks to the GMHS administration and Citizens for a Better Granby/The Granby Drummer for promoting this event, and CREC Transportation for providing transportation to and from the YMCA.
Finally, GPSG recognizes the dedicated 2026 planning team—Danelle Ayotte, Lynn Barragan, Lillian Brough, Jana Henry, Chris Liss, Ann Prokop, Christine Santa, April Seidman, Kate Wardle, Maureen Williams and Karen Yagarich—whose hard work made this year’s celebration possible.
Planning for Grad Night 2027 starts at the beginning of the new school year. Parents of underclassmen are encouraged to join GPSG so this long-standing tradition can continue. For questions, please email granbyparentssafegrad@gmail.com or contact GPSG Committee Chair Jana Henry 860-335-3183.