Several Hollywood figures and famous stars unite to honor the class of 2020 in television special Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has created a global health crisis that caused a deep impact on the world’s educational system. Most governments around the world have temporarily closed educational institutions in an attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
These nationwide closures are affecting almost 70% of the world’s student population. With this at hand, students across the U.S. celebrated graduation in what has, unfortunately, become 2020’s signature style: virtually.
Doubtlessly, this is a hard pill for students to swallow. Hence, several celebrities had taken the initiative to make graduation fun and memorable for the class of 2020.
Obama speaks on television special curated by Lebron James
In collaboration with students and educators, Lebron James curated Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020. On 16th of May, the television special was simulcasted online and on major television networks.
Former President Barack Obama delivered the keynote address, and incorporated his words with some levity. Obama stated,
“Graduating is a big achievement under any circumstances. Some of you have had to overcome serious obstacles along the way.”
He further acknowledged that the new uncertainties introduced by the pandemic would force the class to grow up faster. Then, the former president close with a final piece of advice:
“Stand up for one another’s rights. Leave behind all the old ways of thinking that divide us.”
.@BillClinton, @GalGadot, @BarackObama, @KingJames and others join CNN for a two-hour event celebrating 2020 graduates. Saturday at 7 p.m. ET with “Class of 2020: In This Together” followed at 8 by #GraduateTogether: America Honors the High School Class of 2020 pic.twitter.com/FVKpL6zKms
— CNN (@CNN) May 16, 2020
Zendaya and Timothee Chalamet honors class of 2020
The stars from forthcoming film Dune also paid tribute through a message. Zendaya spoke briefly from her backyard, and gave a shoutout to teachers who are all working hard, just like her mom. The Euphoria star continued,
“Being a senior is so much more than just your senior year. The tiny ones, the life-changing events, they all add up to make you, the class of 2020.”
Meanwhile, Timothee offered some words of encouragement which sent the Internet into a chaos. The alumnus acknowledged his former school, New York City’s prestigious LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. He also saluted some of his mentors, including his statistics teacher, Ms. Lawton.
Chalamet then concluded his message with,
“Congratulations to the class of 2020. Be well, be safe. Peace and love.”
Zendaya's 'Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020' segment pic.twitter.com/lVxrA55iE6
— Zendaya Media (@ZendayaMedias) May 17, 2020
Other appearances in Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020
On top of that, musical guests performed to honor the class of 2020. Dua Lipa, Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers, and Broadway star Ben Platt showcased different performances which made the event more fun.
Furthermore, several notable speakers delivered inspiring messages to the graduates. This includes Olivia Wilde, Pharrell Williams, Lena Waithe, Yara Shahidi, Kevin Hart, Dave Matthews, Shaquille O’Neal.
Image Courtesy of Obama Foundation/Youtube Screenshot