Facebook will host a star-studded virtual graduation ceremony on May 15

[Shawn Knight]

Editor's take: With everything going on in the world right now, some might see the cancellation of graduation ceremonies as petty. But for the students and proud families affected, it’s flat out unfair. To not be afforded the same opportunity to celebrate that you or I were given is unfortunate no matter how you slice it.

Graduating high school is a once in a lifetime event, the culmination of years of hard work to prepare for college or to enter the workforce. But for millions of students that are part of the class of 2020, it’s a bittersweet time as ongoing Covid-19 containment efforts have effectively canceled graduation ceremonies and celebrations around the globe.

Facebook is hoping to brighten spirits by hosting its own virtual ceremony for graduates.

The social media giant on May 15 at 11 a.m. Pacific will broadcast a commencement address by Oprah Winfrey via the Facebook app and on Instagram. Actress Jennifer Garner and comedian Awkwafina will also share words of wisdom with the graduating class, as will rapper Lil Nas X and Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast ever.

The festivities kick off a few days earlier on May 11 where Instagram will be hosting daily programming devoted to iconic senior experiences like “most likely” votes and senior skip day.

Masthead credit: Billion Photos, Getty Images

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https://www.techspot.com/news/85017-facebook-host-star-studded-virtual-graduation-ceremony-may.html

 

[psycros]

Its sad that the primary infection vector now is people who live in a fantasy world where they think that it "can't happen to me". I see these old fools in stores with a useless bandanna around their face and I just shake my head in disgust. There's no point trying to reason with these know-it-all greybeards..believe me, I've tried. However, if I see someone younger without a mask, I ask them if they need one. Passive-aggressive tactics work fairly well for shaming the overly entitled. Truth be told, I won't even feel sorry for these people when their names are in the obituaries. I'll feel sorry for their families who will be robbed of a loved one, or maybe even a child who was unknowingly exposed by their irresponsible relative. I'll feel for the medical professionals saddled with a heavier workload and increased risks because someone couldn't be bothered to act like an adult.

 

[maestro0428]

Its sad that the primary infection vector now is people who live in a fantasy world where they think that it "can't happen to me". I see these old fools in stores with a useless bandanna around their face and I just shake my head in disgust. There's no point trying to reason with these know-it-all greybeards..believe me, I've tried. However, if I see someone younger without a mask, I ask them if they need one. Passive-aggressive tactics work fairly well for shaming the overly entitled. Truth be told, I won't even feel sorry for these people when their names are in the obituaries. I'll feel sorry for their families who will be robbed of a loved one, or maybe even a child who was unknowingly exposed by their irresponsible relative. I'll feel for the medical professionals saddled with a heavier workload and increased risks because someone couldn't be bothered to act like an adult.

I totally agree with you. BTW, I am out working everyday (with every precaution in place ) and my wife works in a hospital (and is fully suited up most of the day).