2020 has been a rather difficult year for everyone and it couldn’t be more so for graduating classes, who have been waiting to end the academic chapter of their lives with a bang. However, due to the rampant spread of COVID-19, graduation ceremonies have unfortunately been cancelled in an effort to observe the precautionary measures and restrictions to prevent the virus from further spreading.
But, instead of letting the new normal dampen the happy spirit of the tradition, YouTube has stepped up to lend a bit of graduation magic with their own virtual graduation ceremony for the global class of 2020. Aptly named Dear Class of 2020, the original special premieres on Saturday, 6 June, and is a multi-hour event filled with commencement speeches, themed graduation day talks as well as music performances.
Headlining this special virtual event is former U.S President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who will each deliver individual commencement speeches and a joint message to all graduates of 2020. Other commencement speakers include Korean supergroup BTS, Lady Gaga, former U.S Secretary of Defence Robert M. Gates, Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, former U.S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Malala Yousafzai.
In addition to the already star-studded line-up, Dear Class of 2020 will include special appearances by Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Kerry Washington, Chloe x Halle, Zendaya, and The Try Guys. A virtual grad night after-party will also be held as part of the event with performances from BTS and other musicians that have yet to be announced.
YouTube’s full schedule of commencement events will be available on the Learn@Home site starting 17 May 2020. As graduates are the focus of the event, YouTube has also created a Dear Class of 2020 Shout Out Board where graduates can leave their name and graduating school in the comments.
So, graduates, remember to attend your virtual ceremony! If not, how else are you going to brag that the Obamas and BTS came to your graduation?
https://youtu.be/rxpTjcouaeQ
YouTube Originals’ Dear Class of 2020 premieres on Saturday, 6 June 2020 at 12pm (PST).
Banner image courtesy of (1), (2), (3)
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