RICHMOND, Va. -- Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam will celebrate the commonwealth’s graduating seniors during a statewide virtual celebration.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the cancellation of traditional graduation ceremonies across the country.
The broadcast and streaming event, “Virginia Graduates Together,” will honor the class of 2020 at 5:00 PM on Friday, May 29.
“Virginia’s class of 2020 is graduating during an unprecedented and difficult time, and I know this is not the end of the school year that any of us imagined,” said Governor Northam.
The celebration will salute 2020 graduates with a special address from the Governor and First Lady, musical performances, and a keynote speech from United States Women’s National Soccer champion Angela Hucles Mangano.
The celebration will also include appearances from several prominent Virginians including Former Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer, University of Virginia’s men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett, Former VCU star, Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox, Chesterfield native, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, Richmond native, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, and many more.
The 30-minute program is produced by Virginia Public Media (VPM) in partnership with the Office of the Governor and the Virginia Department of Education, and will be distributed by public television stations throughout Virginia.
The television stations includes Blue Ridge PBS, VPM and WHRO, and will stream on Facebook Live and YouTube through WETA and East Tennessee PBS.
“Virginia students have demonstrated tremendous resilience throughout this health crisis, and we want to ensure their accomplishments are celebrated in a big way. We look forward to commemorating one of life’s greatest milestones together as a Commonwealth and giving our graduates a strong send-off to their bright futures,” Northam added.
“Virginia Graduates Together” will feature hundreds of videos and photos submitted to VPM by graduates.
Students, families, and teachers are invited to join the celebration on social media by sharing cap and gown photos, well-wishes, videos, and more using the hashtag #GraduateTogetherVA.
More information about the program, click here.