Hi, everybody, and Aniyah, thank you for that beautiful introduction.
I could not be prouder of everything you've done in your time with the Obama Foundation.
And of course, I couldn't be prouder of all of you in the graduating class of 2020, as well as the teachers and the coaches, and most of all parents and family who guided you along the way.
Now, graduating is a big achievement under any circumstances.
Some of you have had to overcome serious obstacles along the way, whether it was an illness, or a parent losing a job, or living in a neighborhood where people too often count you out.
Along with the usual challenges of growing up, all of you have had to deal with the added pressures of social media, reports of school shootings, and the specter of climate change.
And then, just as you're about to celebrate having made it through, just as you've been looking forward to proms and senior nights, graduation ceremonies, and let's face it, a whole bunch of parties, the world is turned upside down by a global pandemic.
And as much as I'm sure you love your parents I bet that being stuck at home with them, and playing board games or watching Tiger King on TV is not exactly how you envisioned the last few months of your senior year.
Now I'll be honest with you, the disappointments of missing a live graduation, those will pass pretty quick.
I don't remember much of my own high school graduation.