May 15, 2020
The event is sponsored in part by the LeBron James Family Foundation and The Entertainment Industry Foundation
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is pleased to partner with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and XQ Institute in support of Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, a one-hour, commercial-free primetime graduation special to be broadcast Saturday, May 16.
During the broadcast, viewers will be directed to XQ’s new Rethink Together online forum, which will feature specific content for each state, including a congratulatory message from Education Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin, and stories highlighting the resiliency and strength of students, teachers and schools amid the pandemic.
“The Virgin Islands Department of Education welcomes every opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2020 and we are pleased to be a part of this global, online movement in recognition of our students’ accomplishments, both here at home and across the nation,” Berry-Benjamin said.
The national telecast will air on Saturday, May 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern/Pacific/7 p.m. Central on more than 30 broadcast and cable networks and streaming services, as well as various social media platforms.
Rodney Robinson, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, joins a list of prominent leaders and entertainers in celebrating the Class of 2020. Led by XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation, and The Entertainment Industry Foundation, the special is being produced in partnership with a broad coalition of education, philanthropic, and corporate partners. In addition, corporate and philanthropic giving associated with #GraduateTogether will benefit DonorsChoose and America’s Food Fund to help meet student needs in some of our nation’s most underserved and under-resourced communities.
States’ involvement was coordinated through CCSSO.
The VIDE will highlight stories of graduating seniors from our four high schools who have shown tremendous courage over the last school year.
“Graduate Together” will stream on the Department’s Facebook page at 8 p.m. on May 16.
Download PDF: pdf DOE VIDE To Be Featured in Graduate Together National Graduation Special on May 16 (182 KB)
