Local supporters gathered to preview elaborate hand-crafted Studio Ghibli Japanese animation-themed sets at San Marino High School’s Light-Up event in anticipation of the Grad Night celebration for the Class of 2023.
Hundreds of volunteers including parents, community residents and the “Old Guard” worked tirelessly much of the year to produce a marvelous Grad Night experience.
This year’s sets were envisioned and designed by Grad Night creative chair Alice Song Ulrich with the inspiration from several acclaimed Studio Ghibli films.
Guests toured attractions such as the Bathhouse from Academy Award-winning animated film “Spirited Away.” The Bathhouse’s red and green façade serves as the decorative entry way to the school’s small gym, where casino and arcade games will keep students occupied.
An elaborately adorned prize booth is set in a simulated food stall, complete with a life-like sushi spread and an inviting and lucky cat neon sign. Refreshments for grads are served from the Catbus, a snack stand featuring a large, 12-legged creature with a cat’s head and a bus-like body. Catbus is a beloved element from Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki’s and the Studio Ghibli created film “My Neighbor Totoro.”
An oversized, moss-covered Laputa Robot recreated by parent Gus Navarrete is prominently placed. The facade located over the school’s main gym features a multi-dimensional hand-crafted castle from the film “Howl’s Moving Castle,” which was recreated by construction chair Wil Rose. Airplanes from the film “Porco Rosso” are also notable additions to the larger-than-life, three-dimensional facade. San Marino High School grad Schuyler Wrobel helped realize the façade’s landscaping with his talented painting skills.
Inside the gym, grads will dance and dine surrounded by hand-painted magical forest scenery from a medley of movies including “Princess Mononoke.” Rebecca Lin and Ashley Chen were among the dozens of painters. The hundreds of lighted Kodama tree spirits, which were 3D printed by Kerry and Josie Hand, help bring life to the table’s customized centerpieces and party favors. Chris Lim assisted with assembling a glowing tree that serves as a central illuminating focus.
As an effort to promote a safe way to celebrate, the school’s on-campus Grad Night dinner-and-entertainment tradition dates all the way back to 1955.
Grad Night 2023 was chaired by Kathryn Oliveros, Debi Cribbs and Alice Song Ulrich, all who have children in this year’s graduating class. A committee of dozens assisted this grand scale event come to fruition. Grad Night would not be possible without the generosity of its countless sponsors, donors and volunteers.
Next year’s Grad Night theme, “Ratatouille,” based on the 2007 film by Pixar Studios and Walt Disney Studios, was selected by the Class of 2024 through a voting process and was revealed at the Light-up. Planning is already underway by Grad Night 2024 chairs Nicolette Fuerst, Jennifer Park, Eugenie Truong, Marci Wendling and Jennifer Yessaian.
Photos by Larissa Althouse
