Despite all the canceled in-person graduation ceremonies, a star-studded lineup of speakers, including Barack Obama, LeBron James and Malala Yousafzai, were determined to celebrate the class of 202…
Lakers star James kicked off the virtual ceremony, commending the senior class for their resilience and hard work in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Kevin Hart, Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, Pharrell Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Lena Waithe, Bad Bunny and Kumail Nanjiani also appeared to celebrate the grads and pass down some wisdom.
He also joked that a virtual event was probably better than sitting through an actual commencement, especially if he had delivered a long-winded speech, and he added that not many people look great in caps, particularly if you have big ears like him. Finally, he made a veiled jab at President Trump’s administration when urging the students to stick with their values.
“My message is: Stay close to home. Maybe not physically, but in every other way possible. Pursue every ambition, go as far as you can possibly dream. Be the first generation to embrace a new responsibility. A responsibility to rebuild your community,” James said. Dua Lipa performed a virtual musical number with the help of some high-school cheerleaders and a drumline. Ben Platt was later joined by his brothers Henry and Jonah for a graduation medley, and the trio stood six feet apart singing a capella against a green screen.
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