On April 13th, OCSA seniors will be attending Grad Bash, the event every senior looks forward to along with prom and graduation. Grad Bash is a day where all high school seniors from all schools in Florida go to the theme parks Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for a day of fun. The parks are open to exclusively graduating seniors and their chaperones from 5 P.M. to 3 A.M..

Seniors are expected to check in with their designated chaperone, however, they are free to roam the park as they desire with any classmates they wish to. This also includes any friends from other schools. Additionally, the dress code is very lenient, but students are not allowed to wear any school logos or team names. As long as no skin is excessively shown in an inappropriate manner, students are allowed to wear what they wish. Still, students should check www.universalorlandoyouth.com/pdf/chaperone-guide-gradbash.pdf for any additional details on dress code. This year, OCSA seniors had to pay $110 to attend, covering voucher and transportation costs. Usual prices for a one-day ticket to visit both parks is around $174 plus tax and fees, allowing the price of $110 to be more accessible for students.

Mr. Shadi Ibrahim, OCSA teacher, is in charge of this year’s Grad Bash. He is very excited to take his students to such a memorable event, “While the paperwork can be a lengthy process, I take pride in setting up an event that students will likely remember for the rest of their lives,” Ibrahim said in an interview. Mr. Ibrahim, along with Mrs. Smith and a few others, will be chaperoning the senior class.

Senior creative writer Jillian Jenks is overwhelmingly excited to attend Grad Bash this year. She is ready to make up for lost time, since the Class of 2024 was the first class that was not able to go on their 8th grade field trip, Gradventure, due to the global pandemic that hit in 2020. Regardless, she is finally able to attend this field trip with no setbacks. She will be preparing by packing water, sunscreen, and making a schedule of all the places her and her friends want to go to. “It’s crazy to think that I am going to be graduating after 7 years of being here at OCSA. This is truly our last field trip where all us seniors can get together one last time and have fun,” Jenks said in an interview.

Universal Studios is a beloved part of childhood for many students, and the trip is equally exciting for first-time visitors. All are excited to see what will come of this special day!