Former First Lady Michelle Obama will be helping host a “virtual prom” for high school students across the country in the wake of the cancellation of many school-oriented events amidst the rapid spread of the Coronavirus across the United States and world. She made the announcement during a surprise pop-in to a web conference in which a selection of high school students were participating after developing voter registration programs at their respective schools. The event will include a day-long “takeover” of MTV, which will feature a slew of special performances and more.
Obama commented to the students on the call:
‘I know this has been a tough time for you guys, I know you’re feeling a lot of stress right now… You guys are missing out on a lot of major milestones because of this quarantine: senior week, graduation, prom. It doesn’t seem fair, I know. We’re coming together to throw you and students across the country a virtual prom. We all, MTV, my team, we called a lot of our friends and so we’re going to have a lot of special guests and performances and a lot of surprises. So this is going to be off the hook.’
The students had developed their respective voter registration drives as part of a contest sponsored by Obama’s own voter engagement organization When We All Vote, which the former First Lady has been using to encourage citizens to register to vote and have their voices be heard at the ballot box when the time comes. Originally, those who won the voter registration program development contest were going to get in-person events from Obama’s team, but now, on May 22, a connected event will be broadcast for everyone.
The former First Lady commented:
‘It might not be what you were envisioning for this special occasion. I promise you that it will be a night that you’re gonna remember. The futures of your communities and our country are in the hands of young people like you all — no pressure, but we’re counting on you. So let’s show everyone what we can accomplish when we all vote.’
Watch the former First Lady’s announcement below:
Watch @JennaBushHager surprise some amazing high school seniors with @MichelleObama, who has teamed up with @MTV and @WhenWeAllVote to throw a virtual prom these teens will never forget! #MTVPromathon pic.twitter.com/56fGdcGCWz
— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) May 15, 2020
This is not the only special event that the Obamas are slated to participate in which is connected to the spate of school event closures across the country. On June 6, both the former First Lady and former President Barack Obama will deliver addresses that will be livestreamed on YouTube as part of a special web event designated for the class of 2020.
The former president commented on Twitter:
‘I’ve always loved joining commencements––the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Even if we can’t get together in person this year, Michelle and I are excited to celebrate the nationwide Class of 2020 and recognize this milestone with you and your loved ones.’
I’ve always loved joining commencements––the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Even if we can’t get together in person this year, Michelle and I are excited to celebrate the nationwide Class of 2020 and recognize this milestone with you and your loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ngR2ykx3A2
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 5, 2020
The former president was also slated to participate in two special events this weekend meant to honor graduates from high schools and Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), respectively. These steps contrast dramatically with Trump’s intent on spending all his time belittling political opponents amidst the pandemic.
