Cary Academy held its commencement exercises for the Class of 2009 on Friday, May 22, at 3 p.m. in the SEA Building. A record 103 students received diplomas. Dr. Benjamin Dunlap, president of Wofford College, delivered the keynote address.

Referencing Aristotle and that philosopher’s belief that happiness, or eudaimonia, is the realization of each person’s highest potential, the affable Dunlap told the seniors that “the education you have received here at Cary Academy is an essential ingredient” in future happiness.

“The pursuit of happiness is not just what we want but can do for others,” the crimson-robed Dunlap added. “I wish nothing better for you bold seniors than you be truly happy.”

Before Dunlap took to the lecturn, senior-elected speakers Miguel Alecio ('09) and Firoz Jameel ('09) addressed their classmates. Other seniors involved in the ceremony were Lauren Jamiolkowski ('09), who presented the opening reflections, and Andy Walsh (’09), who expressed for the 103 seniors a "thank you” to parents.

Immediately following the commencement, the seniors filed out of the SEA, flanked on both sides by clapping and gown-cloaked faculty and staff, to the campus quad for a reception. Hats flew, digital cameras snapped and bear hugs ensued as friends, family and well-wishers mingled with the students and offered congratulations.

The graduating seniors received offers of admission from over 140 colleges and universities in 20 states in the U.S. Ultimately, the students decided to attend 47 different colleges. Approximately half will stay in the Tar Heel state. The others will head out across the country to California, Arizona, Minnesota, Massachusetts, New York, Texas and more.

In addition to the offers of admission, seniors reported being offered nearly 3.5 million dollars in scholarship awards.