March 20, 2018

Created by the U.N. General Assembly on June 28, 2012 the International Day of Happiness is a global movement that was created to spread awareness that happiness is a right, an ambition and a choice.

Since the creation, it has been celebrated by many celebrities. In 2013, it was first celebrated by the grandson of Nelson Mandela, Ndaba Mandela and the daughter of Hillary and Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton where they spoke at the TedXTeen conference in NY. In 2014, it was promoted by Pharrell Williams and the UN Foundation where they created a 24 hour music video and included citizens all over the world. In 2015, it was promoted by Williams, UN Foundations and the UN where he said “Happiness is your birthright” and advocated for action on climate change while Google created a homepage takeover.

Meanwhile students at CK celebrate International Happiness Day a little different.

“I would play music,” said freshmen Joanna Ferrer. Ferrer has been singing and playing the piano and guitar for years. Ferrer has been involved in many concerts and shows, she has participated in the Central Kitsap Middle School junior and advanced choir where she obtained many solos and entered the talent show where she sang and played the piano. If she were speaking at the assembly, Ferrer would advocate for Gender Equality during.

“I would go to the beach,” says freshmen Cara Murphy. Murphy would go to the beach with her family and friends because she likes hanging out with everyone and swimming is one of her favorite activities.

International Day of Happiness is a lot more than just another holiday to post pictures. It’s a day to celebrate loved ones and be grateful for everything that makes you happy. Although there is a lot of negative events happening, this day helps remind us of some of the positives.