Cheers to the Graduates!

Dear Parents of the Class of 2020,

"I feel bad for the seniors." How many times have you said or heard that since March? But now that graduation season is here, that lament has turned to joy and trust me, we are all eager to celebrate! Your graduates are shaping a collective experience they’ll never forget. And parents, through your posts and special messages to your children you are literally writing and preserving a piece of this story.

You've been creative with throwback posts, Zoom ceremonies and drive-by and curbside parties. These adapted rituals have their perks. For one, more relatives and friends get to join in the fun. And then there are the celebrities. Here in Oakland, Tom Hanks gave a personal shout out to now fellow-alum, the Ted-Meister (aka Teddy Mates-Muchin pictured above). Steve Kerr and Steph Curry inspired Bay Area grads with their messages. And how about Obama's speech? These times may have complicated what's already an emotional milestone. But, hopefully, all of these sweet gestures have eased the pain, lifted the spirit and created incredible memories.

Congratulations to all of the graduates and their families! We're so proud of you and can't wait to see how your story turns out.

With Love,

Aviva