Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and social distancing protocols, high school and college graduations aren't what they used to be.
While many schools have closed down until further notice, students have had to make peace with the fact that traditional graduation ceremonies won't be happening this year. An event that would have otherwise called for a huge celebration surrounded by friends, family and loved ones has now turned into a virtual event.
This month, celebrities like Kelly Ripa, Pierce Brosnan, Julianne Moore, Ludacris and Healther Locklear have taken to Instagram to celebrate their kids' biggest milestone yet. Whether that's graduating from high school, being accepted into the college of their dreams or graduating from college—these celebrities are still celebrating their kids' accomplishments.
On Saturday, May 16, Lebron James also hosted a star-studded virtual "Graduate Together" ceremony for the Class of 2020.
The former president of the United States, Barack Obama, stepped up to the plate to deliver some uplifting words of encouragement during these challenging and uncertain times for this year's graduating class.
"No one does big things by themselves," he said. "Right now, when people are scared, it's easy to be cynical and say, 'Let me just look out for myself or my family or people who look or think or pray like me.' But if we're gonna get through these difficult times, if we're gonna create a world where everybody has opportunities to find a job and afford college, if we're gonna save the environment and defeat future pandemics, then we're gonna have to do it together."
Scroll below to see how your favorite celebs are celebrating their Class of 2020 graduates!
"Our class of 2020 girls!" the country singer shared on Instagram when celebrating his daughters' accomplishments. "Boom! Great work ladies! Mom and I are so proud of y'all!!! @faithhill."
In a recent episode of Live with Kelly and Ryan, Kelly Ripa admitted that she was disappointed her son Michel Consuelos won't have a traditional" graduation ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"We've had some quarantine anxiety in our house lately, but I think that's seeming more from my end of things," Ripa said. "Because I realize that my firstborn, my firstborn child, is graduating from college in a couple of days and it's definitely not what we expected [...] He's one of these very uniquely special kids, he's just been kind his entire life and he's such a good person, a hard worker, that I wanted some big event celebrating him. And he, in typical Michael fashion, said, 'Well, it's not a big deal. As long as I still get my degree, it's fine.'"
On Instagram, the host also congratulated her son on his big accomplishment. "2016 fours years passed in the blink of an eye and today you take your final final exam in college. Congratulations Michael! You're a virtual graduate. Literally!," she wrote.
The 67-year-old actor took to Instagram to congratulate his son on his college graduation, "Congratulations Dylan on your graduation and academic achievements at USC School of Cinematic Arts. Go forth into this new world and make it your own. Be fearless, courageous and generous. Love, Dad."
"My son @cal_freundlich graduates from @davidsoncollege today. We could not be prouder of everything he has accomplished these last 4 years - graduating with honors , playing for @davidsonbasketball and getting into grad school. We are heartbroken that we cannot celebrate him today in the way that he deserves. We love you so much Cal and we are SO PROUD ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️#graduation2020," wrote Julianne Moore on Instagram.
The actress took to Instagram earlier this month to celebrate her daughter's graduation from Loyola Marymount University, "Tomorrow is the big LMU graduation at home for my baby. Tune in for more tomorrow."
"Hey guys pls celebrate and congratulate my GOD DAUGHTER @karma.christine as she is headed to SPELMAN COLLEGE this fall. This also makes it much easier for my random drive by and pull-ups and I am dead serious. Congrats @ludacris @christine.esq I know y'all are beyond proud," wrote Chaka Zulu of his goddaughter and Ludacris' daughter Karma on Instagram.
To her Instagram, she posted: "Ahh I am fashionably late but it's okay. Today I celebrate my last day of high school. All of the Spelmanites in my life are screaming with joy! Thank you, thank you, A MILLION thank yous to my parents, my sisters, my teachers, my tatas, my aunties, my uncles, my nenas, and my friends for preparing me for this next stage in my life. I have a village of people rooting for me and I thank God for all of you. I am proud to announce that I will be attending the illustrious Spelman College and I am blessed to continue in the legacy of my mother."
For more on how celebrities are stepping up to the plate to encourage our future generations, check out this gallery.
(This story was originally published on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 7:20 p.m. PST)