Oprah Winfrey is the commencement speaker for Sunday’s Chicago Public Schools’ citywide high school graduation, with Chicago native and “Hamilton” star Miguel Cervantes emceeing the 1 p.m. virtual ceremony that’s being held online because of coronavirus restrictions.
The “Graduation 2020” ceremony will be hosted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and also feature rapper and Chicago native Common.
Others set to make appearances during the hourlong program, according to the mayor’s office, include: Kris Bryant, Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber from the Cubs; Tim Anderson from the White Sox; the Bears’ Charles Leno; Blackhawks star Patrick Kane; the Sky’s Diamond Deshields and Cheyenne Parker; the Bulls’ Daniell Gafford; and “The Voice” finalist Katie Kadan; with “after-party” appearances by DJ Khaled, Ellie King, X Ambassadors, “Jagged Little Pill” musicians, The Second City, Thomas Rhett, Andy Grammer and, Louis the Child.
Beside coverage on multiple TV and radio stations, it will be streamed live on the city’s website and the mayor’s social media channels.
CPS students have been remote-learning since Gov. J.B. Pritzker closed schools statewide in March to try to limit the spread of COVID-19.
