LACHSA Senior Sydney Guine `20 was featured in Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, television special that was simulcast on all major television networks and online on May 16, 2020. Celebrities, activists, and artists including President Barack Obama, LeBron James, Ben Platt, Yara Shahidi, Lena Waithe, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Malala Yousafzai and the Jonas Brothers recognized America’s 3 million-plus graduating high school seniors whose graduation ceremonies and proms were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sydney introduced grammy award-winning artist H.E.R. before President Obama concluded the event with a message to the graduating class of 2020. Despite all the obstacles, Obama said the class of 2020 will continue to make him and his wife Michelle Obama proud.

“Michelle and I have made it the mission of our foundation to give young people like you the skills and support to lead in your own communities and to connect you with other young leaders around the country and around the globe,” Obama said. “But the truth is you don’t need us to tell you what to do because in so many ways you’ve already started to lead. Congratulations, class of 2020. Keep making us proud.”

Created by the XQ Institute, the LeBron James Family Foundation, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the special was curated by basketball player LeBron James in collaboration with high school students and educators across the United States, including the American Federation of Teachers. The broadcast included a variety of commencement addresses, celebrity performances and inspirational vignettes aimed at high school students,