All major networks aired “Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020” at 8 p.m. on May 16, 2020 to honor the graduating class of 2020, who would not get to graduate conventionally due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.  Some of the biggest names came together to present advice and conduct a ceremony for all the high school seniors.

The program, hosted by LeBron James, featured many high school seniors in montages, pictures, and other clips.  The montages, pictures, and clips all encouraged optimism and showed how the Class of 2020 would be ready for anything after this.  Seniors came together, virtually, from around the states to sing the National Anthem in the beginning of the program.  Some students got to introduce many of the celebrities that came together to honor the Class of 2020.

The program had appearances from many celebrities.  Some gave speeches, some gave a quick word, and some introduced the following segments.  LeBron James, Zendaya, Kevin Hart, Yara Shahidi, Timothee Chaamet, Megan Rapino, Bad Bunny, Olivia Wilde, Malala Yousafzai, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, and Barack Obama all added some words to the program.  Music stars, Kane Brown and Maren Morris introduced a senior Valedictorian who gave a speech.

The program also featured many songs, performed by some the most popular current artists: Dua Lipa, The Platt Brothers, Bmike & Chika, H.E.R., Cordae, and the Jonas Brothers with Karol G.  Some of the songs were made specifically for the Class of 2020.

Although the night was for the students, the teachers who got them here were also honored.  Rodney Robinson, 2019 Teacher of the Year, spoke on their behalf.  In addition to the segment honoring all teachers, a memorial segment honored those specific teachers who lost their lives to the COVID-19.

The program was just one of many unconventional ceremonies going on in the virtual world to honor those who missed their graduation ceremony. Missed it? Check it out here. 

Lucky for Lakeland’s seniors, the school has planned a social distant compliant, in-person graduation at Warwick Drive-in on June 24. Congrats to the Class of 2020!