Greenwich High School Announces 2021 Commencement Speaker

GREENWICH, CT — Joan Lunden, a journalist, author, television host, and Greenwich High School parent, will be the school's commencement speaker at next week's graduation, according to an announcement from Greenwich Public Schools.

"As a parent of seven children who all attended Greenwich High School, I am incredibly excited to address the 2021 graduating class," Lunden said in the announcement. "Over the past year, we have watched the challenges the pandemic has presented to our students, and I am so proud of this group of young people who showed their strength and resilience. I am honored to be a part of your story."

GHS Principal Ralph Mayo said the school is honored to have Lunden speak this year.

"Not only is she an accomplished journalist, she is also the parent of a graduating senior; and as such, she truly knows how special and unique our school community is, bestowing wisdom upon our students from the perspective of a true partner and participant," Mayo added.

For nearly two decades, Lunden was a fixture on Good Morning America, making her the longest running female host ever on early morning television.

An ardent health and senior advocate, Lunden has testified before the Food and Drug Administration calling for mandatory mammogram reporting. Lunden was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in June of 2014. She has also appeared before the Congressional House Ways and Means Committee advocating for the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Lunden is the host of the PBS television series, Second Opinion with Joan Lunden and the Washington Post Podcast series, Caring for Tomorrow on the future of healthcare. Lunden is also the ambassador to the Poynter Institute’s MediaWise for Seniors program which educates individuals over 50 on media literacy - separating fact from fiction online.

Lunden has served as a national spokesperson for various organizations such as the American Heart Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, American Lung Association, American Red Cross, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Colon Cancer Alliance. She has written several books as well.