West Chicago Community High School seniors will have the opportunity to attend a Six Flags Great America Grad Night trip in Gurnee on April 24, with Pep Club organizing the overnight event for members of the Class of 2026.According to promotional materials, the event is open to seniors only and participation is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.
A senior trip to Six Flags was something that occurred here at WEGO after the pandemic as a substitute for prom. After prom was back up and running, the past senior classes have not returned to Great America. This means this trip could be the start of a new tradition for seniors here at WEGO. The trip will take place on Friday, April 24, with students arriving at WEGO at 8 p.m. and returning around 3 a.m. The $100 cost includes admission, transportation, and a meal. The most important thing required to attend this trip is to turn in the field trip forms on time.
“They all have to get their permission slip signed and turned in by April 1st. All of the logistics and information is on that sheet and will also be emailed,” Pep Club sponsor Elizabeth Mastroianni said.
For many seniors, attending this trip is another chance to make those life-lasting memories because most will never again have an opportunity to ride all the roller coasters overnight. With so many rides being offered, including the new Wrath of Rakshasa roller coaster opening this season, it’s no question that many seniors are excited for this upcoming trip. According to Six Flags Great America, the ride will stand 180 feet tall, feature a 171-foot drop, include five inversions, and reach speeds of nearly 67 miles per hour.
“I’m most looking forward to riding rollercoasters at night with my usual Six Flags group, but this time it’s special because we’re all celebrating our final year of high school,” senior Mason Ostapa said.
Although WEGO has previously had a trip like this, this is the first time Pep Club is organizing the event in its current form. Since this trip is not a substitute for prom but rather a standalone event, it opens the door to a possible Six Flags senior tradition. Nobody knows what to expect, so it adds suspense that everybody is looking forward to.
“Something that makes this trip fun is that this is the first year that we are able to do this so we’re all excited to find out what it’ll be like,” senior Gracie Perry said.
As the day gets closer, the excitement continues to rise. Six Flags can be a crowded place known for long wait times, but events that take place at night often mean shorter lines for rides.
“I think seniors should just enjoy one of the last events of high school together! I am super excited because the lines will be so short and I have heard the food will be really great. The chaperones are super excited too and we are looking forward to it,” Mastroianni said.