CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289 June 15, 2020
Los Angeles Unified Celebrates Class of 2020
With Hour-Long Televised Special
Tonight, Los Angeles Unified will air an hour-long graduation special for students, families and all who work in our school communities.
“Los Angeles Unified Celebrates the Class of 2020” honors nearly 30,000 graduates of the nation’s second-largest school district. The special features Superintendent Austin Beutner, Student Board Member Frances Suavillo and the entire Board of Education, along with Gov. Gavin Newsom, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, musician Lil Jon, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts, Ellen DeGeneres and other special guests.
“We hope all will join us for this special celebration of the scholars, athletes, artists and dreamers in the Class of 2020,” Superintendent Beutner said.
The special will air at 6 p.m. on KLCS-TV, and can also be viewed at lausd.org. It will be rebroadcast on KLCS-TV at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 17; and 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 21.
“I am so proud of each and every one of our graduates for their resiliency and tenacity during these unprecedented times,” Board President Dr. Richard Vladovic said. “I have always said the difference between a winner and a loser is that a winner keeps getting back up. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t be. When you succeed, and I know you will, come back to Los Angeles Unified and give back as a teacher, a counselor, a bus driver or a Board member. Congratulations to all of the 2020 graduates.”
“A huge congratulations to all of the 2020 graduates of Los Angeles Unified schools,” Board Vice President Jackie Goldberg said. “I couldn’t be more proud of you. Who could have imagined having senior year in the middle of a pandemic and not having prom, other kinds of senior activities and an in-person graduation? The Class of 2020 was up for the challenge, and nearly 30,000 of you managed to hold it together and graduate from high school and go on to bigger and better things. I know this experience is one you won’t forget and which gives you new skills to deal with challenges and disappointments in life. Congratulations graduates. Onward and upward!”
“I am proud to celebrate the graduating Class of 2020 – a remarkable group of students who have left an indelible mark on our hearts, minds, and this pivotal moment in our history,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said.
“The hard work, perseverance and resilience of the Class of 2020 do not go unnoticed,” Board Member Mónica García said. “Behind every graduate is a team of family, friends, teachers and staff. Thank you for your support, love and investment in our children. Seniors, we celebrate your achievement. You help us get closer to 100% graduation in Los Angeles Unified. Our world is in need of your love and contribution. May you go forth and give your best self to the world every day.”
"Congratulations Class of 2020,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “My heartfelt wish for you is that you never forget how unique and important you are. You persisted in finishing your high school education and you managed your disappointment about all the cherished rites of passage you missed to help keep your families and communities healthy. Just as 2020 will be remembered as a defining moment both locally and globally, you will be starting your journey as an adult with the leadership skills that you honed during this historic time. I can't wait to see the future shaped by the Class of 2020."
“Congratulations to our LA Unified graduates,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Your resilience gives us hope that the world’s challenges are no match for the Class of 2020.”
“Congratulations to our Class of 2020,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I know that you will go on to success in college and careers and that you will work to create a better world for all of us. While this is not the way we imagined the year ending, I am so proud of your accomplishments. Thanks also to our teachers, principals, staff, and parents for your dedication in getting your students to the graduation stage.”
###
Here is the link to a 30-second highlights reel of “Los Angeles Unified Celebrates the Class of 2020”: https://lausd.wistia.com/medias/uad2zbj8il