KING CITY — What began as uncertainty ended as a night of celebration, thanks to the generosity and determination of the King City community.
When the Silva family, who had faithfully led Sober Grad Night for many years, stepped back from organizing the event, it was unclear whether the long-standing tradition would continue. Rather than let the event disappear, community members came together to ensure that King City High School’s Class of 2026 graduating seniors would still have a safe, sober and memorable way to celebrate graduation.
As a result, 116 King City High seniors spent graduation night surrounded by friends, enjoying games, food, music, prizes and activities in a safe, substance-free environment.
The June 5 event was coordinated by Sober Grad Committee Chair Teri Storelli alongside committee members Lauren Hamilton, Shiloh and Sergio Torres, Kim Schmidt and Allie Cullen. Together, the committee worked to revive the event and rally community support after its future became uncertain.
Unlike many years, there were no large fundraising dinners, auctions or major fundraising events. Instead, the committee simply asked the community for help.
King City responded.
“Residents supported the traveling Mustang horseshoe fundraiser, donated prizes through the event’s Amazon wish list, contributed financially, volunteered their time and spread the word throughout the community,” organizers said.
One of the most visible fundraising efforts was the traveling Mustang horseshoe. Community members donated to have the large horseshoe moved from lawn to lawn throughout King City. Over a five-week period, the horseshoe was relocated nearly 30 times by King City High School senior Tommy Storelli, who volunteered his time to help ensure the event could happen for his classmates.
“If you can help, you should,” Storelli said. “It wasn’t always what I wanted to do after school or in the morning before class, but I knew it needed to be done if we wanted Sober Grad to happen.”
The committee gave special thanks to Grocery Outlet, Safeway, Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation, King City Rotary, King City Lions Club, Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, Magic Jumpers, DJ Moi, Shiloh and Sergio Torres, Teri and Anthony Storelli, Karen Antle and Danny Silvera, John and Janet Buttgereit, and the many other businesses, organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of the event.
Organizers also recognized the dozens of volunteers who worked from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. on graduation night. Volunteers staffed casino tables, prepared and served food, supervised activities, distributed prizes, managed check-in, monitored games and handled countless behind-the-scenes tasks to ensure that every senior was safe, fed, entertained and having a great time.
In addition, the committee thanked the King City Police Department for partnering with organizers by providing plainclothes officers who interacted with students, served as chaperones and helped create a safe and welcoming environment throughout the evening. California Highway Patrol also played an important role by providing a breathalyzer station at check-in, helping ensure that all seniors entered the event sober and ready to celebrate responsibly.
“The generosity of the community extended far beyond financial contributions,” organizers said. “Through donations made directly and through the Amazon wish list, community members helped provide an incredible assortment of gifts and prizes for graduates.”
Seniors left with everything from laundry baskets, dorm room supplies and household essentials to electronics, small appliances and big-screen televisions. Every student who attended went home with a gift.
“Whether they are headed to college, trade school, military service or directly into the workforce, each graduate received something to help launch them into adulthood,” said organizers, adding that they hope these gifts will “serve as a reminder that the people of King City believe in them, support them and are cheering them on as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
The success of this year’s Sober Grad Night demonstrates the strength of a community willing to come together for its young people.
“Every donation, every volunteer hour, every prize and every act of kindness helped make this event possible,” organizers said. “Most importantly, 116 seniors spent graduation night together — safe, sober and having a blast. That’s something our entire community can be proud of.”
