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Massachusetts Commencement 2020

June 12, 2020

A picture of the three 826 Boston Youth Literary Advisory Board members who co-wrote the WGBH graduation speech.

On Tuesday, June 9, three 12th graders from 826 Boston’s Youth Literary Advisory Board joined Governor Charlie Baker and a host of others in celebrating the Class of 2020 during a virtual graduation ceremony with WGBH.

“This will be our unique and unprecedented graduation, our story to tell our future families and loved ones,” recited Asiyah, Berlanda, and Marangela, who co-wrote and helped deliver the valedictorian-style speech.

The statewide commencement celebrated graduating seniors from 668 public and private schools across the Commonwealth.

“Class of 2020 we are self-empowering and resilient. We have shown that we are capable of making sacrifices and creating change,” wrote the three 826 Boston students. “For now, let us channel our uncertainty and fear into hope for not only our futures but for future generations.”

A collage of all the special guests and celebrities who spoke during Massachusetts Commencement 2020 on WGBH.

Appearing during the virtual celebration were members of the Patriots, the Red Sox, and the Boston Celtics, and a number of celebrities with Massachusetts ties (including singer Rachel Platten and actor Steve Carell). The Boston Pops Orchestra, with Keith Lockhart conducting, also provided a special performance during the ceremony.

The students ended their speech with a hopeful message: “This is a time to grow and prepare for what’s next…No matter where we are headed, we will be on the road of light and hope.”


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