It has been fourteen years since I graduated from high school and ten years since I graduated from college. I remember both graduations vividly. I remember everything about the lead up to graduation from high school, including the senior breakfast, senior skip day, and our graduation picture on the football field. These were some of my favorite memories because it had been an eventful four years filled with many ups and downs. Ultimately, I had accomplished something significant. Four years later, I accomplished another milestone when I graduated from college. Again, another eventful day full of memories and even more significant because it became the spark of something of great. I was on my path to being officially on my own and embarking on my career.
I have been hesitant to share my thoughts about the class of 2020 because I cannot imagine what they are going through. I am unsure how I would feel about the entire situation. I will say that I applaud the efforts of LeBron James, who is using his platform to celebrate the class of 2020. On May 16, Lebron James will host Graduate Together. It will stream on multiple platforms as a viral graduation for the Class of 2020. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the first city-wide viral high school graduation. Oprah will deliver the commencement address for the event.
I used my platform to get the voices of Indianapolis High School seniors to weigh in on graduation and the impact that COVID-19 has had on their senior year. Check out Episode 5 my show The Recess Podcast “The Senior Class.”
The class of 2020 will be a graduation class that many remember for years to come. The class of 2020 has inspired many, and not walking across a stage, although important, does not undermine what they have accomplished.