Oprah Winfrey, Miley Cyrus and more to take part in virtual graduation for class of 2020
Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X and Simone Biles are also joining.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the class of 2020 has sadly missed out on a slew of special milestones associated with a student’s last semester of either high school or college -- most importantly their respective graduation ceremonies.
That’s why Facebook and Instagram have stepped up to make sure there’s still a little pomp and circumstance for the grads by throwing them a virtual ceremony on Friday, May 15.
Oprah Winfrey will deliver the commencement address while celebrities like Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X and Simone Biles -- plus more -- will share pearls of wisdom with the class of 2020. Miley Cyrus will perform a rendition of “The Climb.”
High schools and colleges in the U.S. will be recognized by name, listed state by state, throughout the multi-hour event. Photos and videos of the class of 2020 and messages from deans and principals across the country will be included as well.
ABC’s Ryan Burrow reports for ABC News Radio:
Beginning Monday, May 11, there will be special features across the Facebook and Instagram apps -- from graduation-themed stickers, new AR effects, a custom hashtag page for #Graduation2020 and programming designed to spotlight unique senior experiences.
There will also be specific resources for grads and their schools, teachers, friends and family to host their own virtual festivities enabled by Messenger Rooms so they can celebrate together.
“#Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020” event will kick off on Facebook Watch at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, May 15. Highlights will be posted to @instagram.