This is going to be great!
Taraji P. Henson was just announced as the commencement speaker for a virtual graduation honoring students in her hometown of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state is hosting a virtual graduation celebration featuring the Academy Award nominated actress. Other special guests include comedian Joe Clair, singer Kenny Lattimore, NFL player Joe Haden, and news anchor Taylor Thomas. Henson will address more than 8,0000 seniors who are graduating from the county’s public, charter and alternative high schools.
Monica Goldson, chief executive officer of Prince George’s County Public Schools spoke about the commencement saying, “I receive emails daily about ways to provide our high school seniors with a celebration worthy of their accomplishments during these unprecedented times…I am excited to announce a system-wide virtual graduation celebration in their honor featuring...actress Taraji P. Henson as the commencement speaker!”
Henson joins a long line of A-list celebs showing up to support graduates who are feeling the impact of having their special days cancelled or postponed as a result of the pandemic, including Kevin Hart, LeBron James and The Obamas.
While navigating this time is hard for students who have been looking forward to celebrating their hard work in grand fashion, the collective efforts offer some sort of normalcy for students and their families.
“I know this is not the same as walking across the stage on graduation day, I am working with the Board of Education to give our students that moment once these restrictions are lifted. Until then, I want them to feel our PGCPS pride in their accomplishments, the unstoppable Class of 2020,” Goldson said.
The graduation airs Saturday, May 30th on WJLA 24/7 News and Sunday, May 31st on ABC7.
Thank you for all you’re doing Taraji!
Photo Courtesy Erik Pendzich/Rex/Shutterstock