Established in 1991 by Raelene Chaney, to keep FHS graduates safe in celebration, Grad Nite Live continues today for Fillmore youth. A cruise ship complete with “gambling”, dancing, food and fun times was offered to all graduating seniors. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News
Back in 1991 Raelene Chaney co-founded what was Grad Nite Live (GNL). The purpose of GNL was to have Fillmore students celebrate a safe graduation.
In 1990 James Anderson, an 18-year-old graduate planning on joining the US Marines, was killed in a car accident after hitching a ride with a former classmate after a late-night party. The 20-year-old classmate was later sentenced to six years in prison for DUI (alcohol and cocaine) and crashing his car into a power pole outside of Fillmore, killing Anderson. This was the catalyst for GNL.
The nonprofit organization ran for over 26 years (as of night 2019), until Mrs. Cheney’s health took a turn, and she could no longer run the event.
Grad Nite Live Cruise returned this year and was a success. Right after graduation, students loaded onto a bus to spend the evening on a boat for a night of food, music, games, and more.
