Updated at 4:46 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2007
Preps: De La Hoya addresses graduates at his school
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — The first senior class at Oscar De La Hoya Animo High graduated today. The commencement speaker? The Golden Boy, of course.
De La Hoya, who lost a controversial 12-round split decision to Floyd Mayweather last month in one of the richest fights ever, stressed the importance of education to the graduating seniors at Sullivan Field on the Loyola Marymount campus.
"Education is your vehicle to control your life," De La Hoya said. "You have made it through round one. There are 12 more rounds. Life is hard, but you can do it. I believe in you.
"I used boxing to better myself, you can use education to make your life matter. That's what it's about, making a difference, making your parents proud, making your community proud, making your country proud. You can do it. I believe in you."
The school opened in 2003, and graduated 98 percent of its first senior class. It's located in downtown Los Angeles, but a permanent De La Hoya Animo High will be built in Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles — near De La Hoya's gym. It will be the first school built in that area in 76 years.
De La Hoya was originally approached about the school by Steve Barr, the founder of Green Dot Public Schools, a leading charter organization in the Los Angeles area. The school is ranked among the top 10 percent of high schools in the state that serve minority communities.
"Being here is a gift I will treasure for years to come," the 34-year-old boxer said. "Thank you for allowing me to be part of your celebration and see one of my dreams come true through this high school."
