Celebs have come together in a Virtual Commencement Ceremony named “Dear Class of 2020”, held by YouTube and headlined by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. 

In wake of education institutes closing down due to the worldwide pandemic, the graduating batch of 2020, which is now famously called the “Class of 2020”,  has been deprived of a commencement ceremony.

Celebs such as Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Demi Lovato, Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Durant, Lady Gaga, Sundar Pichai, Bill and Melinda Gates, Alicia Keys, BTS, Zendaya and more joined the celebration. Grammy winner Lizzo started by playing the graduation song with The New York Philharmonic. Alicia Keys, in her address said, “I know right now it might not feel like there’s a lot to celebrate and that’s okay. It’s okay to not be okay right now. I know so many people are not thinking about your time at school.”

Barack said, “Today is the culmination of a long journey. Think back to where you were starting your first year… just as you were rounding the final turn the world turned a pandemic your way.”

Singer Taylor Swift recalled how she too had missed her graduation ceremony. “I found myself on radio tour with my mom in rental cars, sitting on the floors of airports and ended up getting my diploma mailed. One good lesson is to expect the unexpected and celebrate anyways,” she said.

Mariah Carey said, “To the students who had to deal with this bleak moment, congratulations on this historic accomplishment.” The Grammy winner addressed the teachers as well adding, “To all the teachers and professors, especially the ones who had to deal with students like me who never really showed up on school at time, you rose to the occasion and helped these students reach the finish line.”

As students endure the difficult situation of missing out a graduation ceremony, such a gesture by celebs is not only a great way to lift up their spirits, but it also gives them the confidence of a bright future ahead.