CALEXICO, Calif. -- High school seniors around the country are coping with missed milestones like prom and walking across the graduation stage.

"Our students invested 12, 13 years in their education, so we must invest in something to give them back, a ceremony they can be proud of," said John Moreno, principal of Aurora High Continuation in Calexico, California.

Several of the students graduating will be the first in their families to get a diploma. Students come to the continuation school for a fresh start; many were at risk of not graduating.

"It's a very big deal, many of them have not received any accolades, or any awards or any kind of recognition, any kind of victory. So when we see them with this victory, this is a big one," said Moreno.

When graduation was canceled due to COVID-19, students and their families were devastated.

So the district wanted to do something special, enlisting help from VEGO Pictures to create a virtual graduation.

The Hollywood production company changed its business model seemingly overnight to create virtual graduations for schools around the country. The move also helped employ Hollywood producers and directors out of work due to the pandemic.

With guidance from a VEGO Pictures producer, schools tape various clips they'd like to include in the virtual ceremony, and then the production company handles the rest.

Customized for each school, the ceremony is a tribute to student's talents and achievements from the last four years.

Anyone around the world can tune in to the virtual ceremony.

"I think it's pretty cool!" said Lorenzo Lopez, an Aurora High graduate. "Since it's going to be recorded and not in person, I can save it and watch it another time and show it to my kids and my grandkids."

While disappointed they couldn't have a traditional ceremony, students say they're grateful to at least have this memory.

HERSHEY, Pa. —

Walking across the stage to get a diploma is a big moment for graduating seniors, but it was an even bigger deal for a Pennsylvania graduate.

Sammy Hill turned her tassel at Hershey High School while walking alongside the man she credits with saving her life: Penn State Health neurosurgeon Dr. Mark Iantosca.

She was picking apples at a friend's house in 2008 when a tree branch broke off in the wind, falling 50 feet onto her head.

She sustained brain damage and was on life support at Penn State Health Children's Hospital.

That's why it was a big deal that she was able to walk across the stage for her graduation.

"Over the years, we just developed this special relationship. She's really a very wonderful, inspirational little girl. She's inspired so many people. I don't think she even really could ever know or appreciate how many," Iantosca said.

"It feels so excellent. I'm so excited!" Hill said.

Watch the video to see the special moment.