USA TODAY International Edition
‘ Graduate Together’ a memorable watch
With large, in- person events still a no- no across much of the country because of the coronavirus pandemic, the members of the high school class of 2020 celebrated their graduation virtually Saturday night.
The hourlong “Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020” aired in prime time on ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. Guests included former President Barack Obama, NBA superstar LeBron James, Olympian Megan Rapinoe and singers the Jonas Brothers, the Platt Brothers, Dua Lipa and Pharrell Williams, among others.
Another virtual graduation, this one on YouTube and featuring former first lady Michelle Obama, airs June 6 at 3 p. m. EDT.
James kicked off Saturday’s broadcast, telling graduating seniors, “You should have had a real graduation. I know. You should have had an incredible senior year. I know that, too.”
“After all this,” he said, referring to the coronavirus lockdown, “you guys are prepared for anything.”
Here are three memorable moments from the star- studded event:
Kevin Hart: BFFs with Barack Obama, LeBron James
Comedian Kevin Hart did a little bit of name dropping, jokingly thanking close pals B. O. ( Barack Obama) and L. J. ( LeBron James) for adding him to the telecast.
Hart urged viewers to show their support for public schools across the country during his appearance, while also pushing for educators to teach more financial literacy courses. But, most of all, he encouraged graduates to come together and help shape the nation’s future.
“You guys are our future leaders,” he said. “Understand that. Know that.”
Megan Rapinoe urges students to get registered to vote
Soccer phenom Megan Rapinoe had an incredibly simple message for the class of 2020: go vote.
While taking the time to salute all they’ve achieved so far, she also pushed them to take the steps needed to have their voices heard in upcoming elections. As she spoke, information on how to register to vote flashed on the screen.
“Every generation has a defining moment,” she said. “This is your moment, and it is unlike any we have seen before.”
Rapinoe told seniors to “demand better, forever,” while acknowledging the unprecedented uncertainties the nation is contending with right now.
“These moments can feel powerless, purposeless and overwhelming,” she said. “We are separated in ways we’ve never experienced.”
LeBron James: Teachers, coaches, pastors, friends and family are grads’ ‘ safety net’
James returned later in the broadcast to touch on a realization many parents have come to since classes went online and kids were stuck at home: educators are often underappreciated.
“Everyone in America is experiencing the critical role our schools and charities play in our lives, and what happens when they shut down,” he said.
In many communities, James said teachers, coaches and pastors join friends and family in keeping youngsters on the right path.
“I know the last thing you want to hear right now is stay home,” he said. “That’s not my message. My message is stay close to home. The world has changed. Remember one thing: you’re all kings and queens.”