You can have Oprah as your commencement speaker at this star-studded virtual graduation
For the class of 2020, the end of their high school or college journeys are going differently than anyone could have imagined. Graduation ceremonies have been canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and large gatherings with family and friends are off the table. To give high school and college seniors a proper (though certainly different) celebration, Facebook is hosting a virtual graduation ceremony. What makes it special, though, is the star-studded lineup.
Imagine this information being presented with loud bravado and arms wide open: Oprah will be the commencement speaker. If there’s anyone who can move a crowd to feel motivated despite today’s circumstances, we’re pretty sure she’s the woman to do it.
Facebook also announced that Awkwafina, Simone Biles, Jennifer Garner, and Lil Nas X will be offering up words of wisdom for the class of 2020. More celebrity guests will be announced soon.
There will be music, too. No, we’re not just talking about “Pomp and Circumstance” being played for an extended period of time. Miley Cyrus will be performing her 2009 hit “The Climb.”
The multi-hour streaming event will begin on May 15th at 2 p.m. Eastern via Facebook Watch and will be available on facebook.com/facebookapp. In addition to the celebrity appearances, the ceremony will feature photos and videos of the class of 2020 and messages from deans and principals across the country.
To help graduates host their own virtual ceremonies and parties at home, Facebook is offering special features on its app, including graduation hubs, custom filters, and Messenger Rooms.
Congrats to all the 2020 graduates out there. We know this year is different, but in Cyrus’s inspirational words, we say, “Keep the faith, baby.”
As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, HelloGiggles is committed to providing accurate and helpful coverage to our readers. As such, some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, we encourage you to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments, and visit our coronavirus hub.