Instead of a momentous occasion, thousands of graduates find themselves staring at a computer screen as they listen to deans and school principals wax lyrical about their achievements over the last four years, while celebrity commencement speakers, including former President Barack Obama, spout encouraging words before sending them out into an uncertain world.

Aiyana Da’Briel is a 17-year-old senior at Hamilton High School, who is also the president of the Southern Region Youth Advisory Board for the United Black Student Unions of California.

Amiri Lynn is a 17-year-old senior at Hamilton High School who wants to study business at Santa Monica College and eventually become a real estate agent like his uncle.

Madison Brown is a 17-year-old senior at St. Bernard High School in Playa Del Rey who is the Associated Student Body President and was this year’s homecoming queen.

“We know how important an in-person commencement is to our seniors, other graduates and their families and friends,” Folt said.