LULU GARCIA-NAVARRO, HOST:
Meanwhile, at least 3.8 million high school seniors are missing their graduation this year. After four years of hard work, students craving recognition and closure got some last night as Olympians, presidents and pop stars celebrated their achievements in a live simulcast event across TV networks and social media platforms. NPR's Catherine Whelan attended, along with everyone else, from her living room.
CATHERINE WHELAN, BYLINE: All across the country, the Class of 2020 gathered in front of their screens as a part of the "Graduate Together" live event, and they had a pretty impressive keynote speaker.
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BARACK OBAMA: And all those adults they used to think were in charge and knew what they were doing - turns out they don't have all the answers.
WHELAN: Amid a global pandemic, former President Barack Obama addressed high school seniors with some pretty pointed remarks.
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OBAMA: Doing what feels good - what's convenient, what's easy - that's how little kids think. Unfortunately, a lot of so-called grown ups - including some with fancy titles and important jobs - still think that way, which is why things are so screwed up.
WHELAN: Obama got the gig a month ago. It started with an invitation from Lincoln Devonham (ph), a senior from Los Angeles who tweeted at the former president.
LINCOLN DEVONHAM: Just thinking, wow, this guy has been president for most of my generation's education. Who better than him?
WHELAN: Devonham's tweet went viral. And Obama wasn't the only one who saw it. NBA star LeBron James was also looking for a way to honor this year's seniors. James hosted the "Graduate Together" event and brought lots of other celebrities on board. Comedian Kumail Nanjiani addressed seniors from a virtual island in a video game called "Animal Crossing."
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KUMAIL NANJIANI: Thanks for inviting me to your island. It's the first time I've worn pants in weeks. I'm lying. I'm not wearing any pants under this robe.
WHELAN: Most stars took a more traditional route. The list of speakers at the event included Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai...
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MALALA YOUSAFZAI: Like all of you, I'm also missing my graduation ceremony this year.
WHELAN: ...As well as soccer star Megan Rapinoe.
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MEGAN RAPINOE: Take the torch and leave your mark. Plant your stake in the ground and build the future that you want.
WHELAN: Musician Bad Bunny gave his speech in Spanish, while Santa Ana, Calif., graduate Priscilla Arseo (ph) - her school's valedictorian - noted she will be the first in her family to attend university.
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PRISCILLA ARSEO: We're all facing our own challenges as a generation, as a community and as a planet. But I know we can overcome them.
WHELAN: LeBron James thanked the Class of 2020 for their sacrifice.
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LEBRON JAMES: You should have had a real graduation. I know. But you made a sacrifice. You did that to keep your community safe and healthy. On behalf of all of us, thank you.
WHELAN: Catherine Whelan, NPR News.
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PLATT BROTHERS: (Singing) It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right. We hope you had the time of your life. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.