College Students Are Lobbying Barack Obama to Give a Virtual Commencement Speech

The coronavirus pandemic has put an indefinite halt on large gatherings such as graduations, weddings, and sporting events, and while some schools and universities are planning on rescheduling class of 2020’s commencement for the fall, some experts believe that they should instead be pushed back until 2021—but one student’s viral campaign might result in former President Barack Obama make a commencement speech online.

This is bad news for the college seniors that were going to graduate this year, and it’s an extra gut punch the for high school seniors who will also miss out on the typical end of high school events like prom.

To make up for this, a high school senior named Lincoln Debenham is asking Obama deliver a virtual commencement address to the class of 2020. He reached out to Obama on Twitter, and as of right now, Debenham’s tweet has 37k retweets and over 180k likes.

Hi @BarackObama! Like most high school/college seniors, I’m saddened by the loss of milestone events, prom & graduation. In an unprecedented time, it would give us great comfort to hear your voice. We ask you to consider giving a national commencement speech to the class of 2020.

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In a follow-up tweet, Debenham also explained why he chose to reach out to President Obama: “It’s about someone who speaks for my generation. Like Barack Obama was the first President I can remember. The classroom mock elections, watching his inauguration in school. That’s what this is about. Hearing that voice of hope again.”

As CNN reports, Obama’s spokeswoman Katie Hill said that they were aware of the campaign and were “very flattered” but it’s unclear if Obama will actually deliver the online address.

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