Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza Announce Citywide Graduation for the Class of 2020

June 23, 2020

Event will air on June 30th at 7:00PM on PIX11 and online

NEW YORK—Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza announced a citywide graduation celebration will be held on June 30. The graduation will bring the entire city together in celebration of the past accomplishments and bright future of the Class of 2020, featuring student spotlights, musical performances, and special guest speakers—including award-winning artist, and former NYC Public School student and teacher, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“Graduating high school under normal circumstances is an extraordinary accomplishment, but I am especially impressed by the Class of 2020 and all they have been through to get to this point. In this time of great upheaval and many challenges, they will be leading the way to create a fairer, safer future for all. I could not be more proud to celebrate them with this special sendoff,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“Congratulations to the amazing Class of 2020! There’s never been a New York City graduating class like yours. There’s never been a senior year like this!” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “As Chancellor of all New York City Public Schools, and on behalf of all 150,000 staff who make our schools run: I am so proud of you.”
  
“We’re proud to help make this exciting event available to every New Yorker,” said Bart Feder, Vice President and General Manager of PIX11. “These resilient graduates will play a crucial role in the future of our city and nation, and they’ve earned this recognition”  

The COVID-19 crisis disrupted the traditional celebrations honoring the accomplishments and hard work of the Class of 2020, and this special program will be broadcast to all of New York in recognition of all  the Class of 2020 has achieved. The graduation celebration, produced by the City in partnership with New York’s Very Own PIX11, will air live on PIX11’s TV channel, website, and social media channels at 7:00PM on June 30th. It will also be livestreamed on the DOE’s and City’s social media channels, as well as at https://www.nycclassof2020.com/.  

Kori Chambers, Marysol Castro and Mr. G from PIX11 will host the ceremony, which will feature:

• a musical performance from Brooklyn’s Phony Ppl as well as student musical performances;
• guest speakers including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pitbull, Kenan Thompson, Nick Kroll, Angela Yee, Tina Fey, Andy Cohen, and more;
  a special valedictorian speech;
• and contributions from family members and educators who have supported our graduating seniors. 

The citywide celebration of the Class of 2020 complements ceremonies and events being held in communities across the city. These celebrations are being done virtually, as drive-throughs, and in other unique ways that safely honor this year’s senior class.