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Iowa in national ‘Graduate Together’ primetime special honoring the high school class of 2020 Sat. night, May 16

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Education today announced its participation in a nationwide primetime graduation special honoring the class of 2020. The event, Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, will air on Sat. May 16 at 7 p.m. on more than 30 broadcast and cable networks and streaming services, including FOX, ABC, CBS and NBC as well as various social media platforms.

“This is an exciting and fun way to celebrate Iowa’s high school seniors who have remained focused on the future while facing the challenges brought on by a global pandemic,” said Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo. “We are excited to celebrate the resiliency and strength of our graduating seniors and hope this event gives them something special to remember.”

The one-hour primetime special will feature artists, athletes, musicians, commencement speakers, influencers and cultural icons showing their support with performances and messages from students, teachers and their families from across the country.

During the broadcast, viewers will be directed to the Rethink Together online forum, which will feature specific content for each state, including a congratulatory message from Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo and messages from Iowa high school seniors on their hopes for the class of 2020.

The event is made possible through a partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers, the LeBron James Family Foundation, The Entertainment Industry Foundation and XQ Institute.

Graduate Together is also inviting seniors, teachers and families to submit their own stories, videos and photos online on the Graduate Together website for consideration to be included in the telecast.