Is there any aspect of life that hasn’t been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Students who’ve been looking forward to their graduation ceremonies won’t be able to share the joy with their classmates and families because of the virus.
“Not canceled, just postponed,” said Education Secretary Leonor Briones in an interview. But with mass gatherings banned for the foreseeable future, that doesn’t sound promising at all.
People have already turned to alternatives. They’ve had mini-graduation rites at home with just their families. There have been online ceremonies and graduation parties.
Ateneo de Davao University’s College of Law had its graduation rites on Zoom in April.
“As future lawyers, we must rise to the challenge of leading the post-COVID world. May the resilience and perseverance that have carried us amid the disruption of our regular academic learning continue on even after this pandemic… I pray that we all survive this pandemic so that one day, we can all see each other again and marvel in our light,” said Kahlil Denise Arnado Alcomendras in a speech she delivered on behalf of fellow graduates, whom she called “Batch COVID.”
Class of 2020, here’s what we want you to know: We see you. We celebrate you. And we want you to let us honor you.
Inquirer ToBeYou wants to hear from the Class of 2020 (and the people who love them). Tell us your stories, tell us about a graduate who inspires you and/or makes you proud (whether that’s your classmate, friend, sibling, child or student). Send us your photos. Show us your favorite moments from your school life, tell us how you celebrated or how you’re celebrating the milestone. Email us at [email protected].
We want to celebrate with you.
Commencement speeches
And we’re not the only ones. The Atlantic has commissioned commencement speeches from people like writer Caitlin Flanagan and comedian Bridget Phetasy for students who are missing out on their graduations.
“This has been a season of terrible losses… It might seem frivolous to feel sad about losing your graduation ceremonies. But I don’t think so. A college graduation is a big deal; it’s important… But you won’t get to have this very special event, four years in the making. Why not? Because history found you,” wrote Flanagan.
Entertainment Weekly has launched the video series “Graduation Speech in 60 Seconds” on Twitter and Instagram.
“Some Good News,” John Krasinski’s feel-good YouTube show that was born during the pandemic, had a graduation special where, instead of having commencement speeches, some incredible graduates got to have commencement conversations with Steven Spielberg, Malala Yousafzai, Jon Stewart and Oprah. (We laughed and cried while watching, and we think you will, too.)
“It took me 30 years to finally finish my bachelor’s degree and then COVID-19 took this away. I’ve been so depressed and upset. This is so uplifting,” wrote one person in the comments section.
Barack and Michelle Obama, who have been inundated with requests to speak from students all over the world whose graduations have been canceled, will celebrate the Class of 2020 in different ways. They’ll be part of “Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020,” a one-hour special that will air on multiple channels in the United States and online streaming platforms on May 16 (May 17, 8 a.m. in the Philippines).
Ben Platt, LeBron James, Malala, the Jonas Brothers, Pharrell Williams are among the other personalities who are part of the special.
“I know that none of you imagined you would be closing this chapter of your life through a computer or phone screen. But I still want to make sure you get the celebration you deserve,” posted Michelle on Instagram.
The Obamas will headline YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” virtual graduation ceremony on June 6 (June 7, 3 a.m. in Manila), which also includes BTS and Lady Gaga as commencement speakers. Former US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Alicia Keys and Kerry Washington will be present.
There’s a virtual grad night after-party too, of course, where BTS will perform.
On May 15 (2 a.m. today in the Philippines), Facebook and Instagram hosted #Graduation2020, with Oprah giving the commencement address. Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X, Simone Biles and other celebrities will take part as well, while Miley Cyrus will perform her song “The Climb.” Both Facebook and Instagram are rolling out features to help graduates celebrate, including stickers, AR effects and a virtual graduation hub.
Today, audio company iHeartMedia releases its podcast called “Commencement: Speeches For The Class of 2020” which features messages from Bill and Melinda Gates, Hillary Clinton, Tim Cook, Freida Pinto, Becky G, David Chang, Bobbi Brown, John Green, Mary J. Blige, Rita Wilson and many more. The podcast is available on iHeartRadio and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Class of 2020, you may not get to walk on that stage to receive that diploma, but be proud. You should be. You worked hard to get here. You kept going when it would have been easier to give up. We see you. And we celebrate you.
