Contributed
State Superintendent Mark Johnson 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, at 8 p.m.
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 Superintendent Johnson and stories highlighting the resiliency and strength of students, teachers and schools amid the pandemic.
“Anyone who has the honor of holding a diploma with the year 2020 on it knows how to overcome unimaginable challenges,” Johnson said. “In North Carolina, we say that we are where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great. Our graduates are certainly strong, so now I encourage them to go grow great.”
The national telecast will air on more than 30 broadcast and cable networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well asa number of streaming services and various social media platforms. Viewers should check local listings for broadcasts in their area.
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.
North Carolina’s involvement was coordinated through CCSSO.
“CCSSO is proud to partner with the XQ Institute on the #GraduateTogether campaign. This event is a bright spot in such a challenging year, bringing together educators, parents, state leaders and other partners in celebrating all students and their accomplishments,” said Carissa Moffat Miller, CCSSO’s executive director. “Through this partnership, we are thrilled to make it possible for every graduating senior to hear directly from their state education leaders and the 2019 National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson before they take their next steps after high school.”
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