As graduation day approaches for the Class of 2025, many students are experiencing a celebration unlike any they have had before. While traditional in-person ceremonies are still happening all around us, more and more schools are now hosting virtual graduations to honor their seniors.
On May 3, 2025, the University of Phoenix offered two separate ways to accommodate graduate students across different time zones. These included livestreams on YouTube and personalized name slides that allowed graduates and their families from around the world to participate in the ceremony. Graduates were encouraged to submit photos and messages to be featured in the personalized name slides to create a more inclusive experience. These changes began during the pandemic when people turned to platforms like Zoom to stay connected. This shift eventually led to the rise of virtual graduations across the globe. For example, a university in Japan used a remote-controlled robot to carry a screen showing graduates attending the ceremony via Zoom.
Virtual School Graduation
Online schools, unlike traditional ones, are finding ways to gather in person for graduation. For instance, Big Rapids Virtual School held a ceremony at Big Rapids High School to honor 16 seniors. The event featured a speech by special education teacher Lenore Weaver and was attended by over 200 guests. This shows that even virtual schools can create a strong sense of community and tradition. Also, Florida Virtual High School celebrated its Class of 2025 with an in-person ceremony at the UCF Addition Financial Arena on May 27, 2025. Despite these schools being fully online institutions, they emphasized community and school spirit by bringing students together for a shared celebration.
AI Enhancing or Replacing Tradition?
While technology helps make ceremonies more accessible, it also raises new questions. A video of the Pace University graduation went viral on Instagram. Graduates scanned a QR code, and their names were announced by an AI-generated voice that replaced human announcers during the ceremony. This change was meant to prevent mispronunciations but received mixed reactions. Some students appreciated the precision, while others felt the personal touch was lost.
As technology continues to evolve, the way we celebrate this milestone is also changing. The Class of 2025 is a clear example of how tradition and innovation can coexist. These examples give us a glimpse of what future graduations might look like. From virtual commencements to AI-enhanced ceremonies, graduation is becoming more inclusive, personalized, and accessible. Many online platforms, such as Zoom or YouTube, have made it possible for families and friends all around the world to join these special moments together. However, as schools continue to blend technology with tradition, it’s important to maintain a balance, as some people still have negative feelings about technological changes. The real challenge is making sure these advancements enhance, not replace, the emotional and meaningful parts of graduation that students and families cherish.
<Hyeona Kim, Student Reporter> Crescenta Valley High School hkim0741@stu.gusd.net
