2011 Commencement Address: The purpose of life - pursue happiness

On June 7, 2011, Explorer Middle School's 8th grade class participated in their graduation event along with the entire school community. The 8th graders asked their music teacher, Aurora de la Cruz, to give this year's commencement address. This was a special request especially since Aurora is officially on leave from the school to spend a few months with her newly adopted son. The busy new mom delivered a striking speech about how the purpose of life is...to pursue happiness. Her address was centered around a personal story about changes in her family over the past couple of years and what she has learned in terms of "three myths" and "seven truths" about the pursuit of happiness. It was a truly inspirational commentary, which included statements such as:

To our graduating class and to everyone in this room… I wish you a life that is densely packed with lovely, happy moments. Know that happiness is a decision, that you deserve it, that you have to work for it, and that spreading it around is one of the most benevolent things you can do for others.

For a full transcript of the commencement address, please contact Donna at Explorer West: donnat@explorerwest.org

Thank you to Aurora for your amazing send off to the Class of 2011. Congratulations to all of the graduates and we wish each of you the best as you pursue happiness in the months and years ahead!