Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Giving
Ernie the Hornet Giving Day
Join us for Ernie the Hornet Giving Day
Our annual Ernie the Hornet Giving Day will take place this year on May 5. This special 24-hour day of giving is exclusive to our school community and is an opportunity for our families, alumni, faculty, and friends to support our mission to educate young people while providing an outstanding daily campus experience.
Hamden Hall’s 5th Annual Ernie the Hornet Giving Day celebrates the power of a Big Heart and even Bigger Visions for our future.
At Hamden Hall, our vision is rooted in continued growth, innovation, and opportunity—for every student, in every classroom, every day. From expanding academic programs and enhancing campus spaces to supporting faculty excellence and enriching student experiences, the future we imagine is bold, dynamic, and full of possibility.
But that vision doesn’t happen on its own.
It is shaped by the strength and generosity of our community. Every gift—no matter the size—plays a meaningful role in moving Hamden Hall forward. Together, we are building a school that not only thrives today but continues to evolve for generations to come.
Join us in making a difference. Give with heart. Dream big. Help bring our vision to life.
Our goal this year is to raise $106,000 in honor of Ernie Russ’s 106th birthday. This day is all about PARTICIPATION, gifts all any size help us reach out goal!
Every gift counts.
Every gift is meaningful.
Thank You to Our Supporters!
Who was Ernie Russ?
May 3, 1920 - Nov. 27, 2016
May 3, 1920 - Nov. 27, 2016
Ernie Russ began his career with Hamden Hall in 1947 as a science teacher. In his six decade-plus tenure at Hamden Hall, he also served as a coach, advisor, team statistician, equipment manager, and Building and Grounds advisor. Sadly, Ernie passed in 2016 but his legacy lives on. According to Head of School Bob Izzo in a tribute to Ernie upon his passing, "Ernie lived a long, rewarding, and honorable life that included service in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII."
In 2007, more than 200 admirers attended a dinner that marked the establishment of the Ernie Russ Endowment & Scholarship Fund. When Ernie turned 95 in 2015, the Hamden Hall community rededicated a pine tree that had been planted in his honor in 2007. A month later at Commencement 2015, our community paid homage to Ernie with the presentation of the Hamden Hall Medal of Distinction for his exemplary service to our school.
In 2007, more than 200 admirers attended a dinner that marked the establishment of the Ernie Russ Endowment & Scholarship Fund. When Ernie turned 95 in 2015, the Hamden Hall community rededicated a pine tree that had been planted in his honor in 2007. A month later at Commencement 2015, our community paid homage to Ernie with the presentation of the Hamden Hall Medal of Distinction for his exemplary service to our school.
History of Ernie the Hornet
On May 3, 2010, Ernie's 90th birthday, we named our school mascot
in honor of Ernie during an all-school celebration.
Thus the birth of Ernie the Hornet!
This year on May 3, our entire campus will celebrate with a day of school spirit and giving! We will enjoy birthday cupcakes during lunch for all students! In our classrooms, students will have fun with Hamden Hall and Ernie Russ trivia and participate in activities throughout the day that encompass all things Ernie Russ such as science and physical education. Students and faculty will wear green and white and anything Hamden Hall to show their support!
On May 3, 2010, Ernie's 90th birthday, we named our school mascot
in honor of Ernie during an all-school celebration.
Thus the birth of Ernie the Hornet!
This year on May 3, our entire campus will celebrate with a day of school spirit and giving! We will enjoy birthday cupcakes during lunch for all students! In our classrooms, students will have fun with Hamden Hall and Ernie Russ trivia and participate in activities throughout the day that encompass all things Ernie Russ such as science and physical education. Students and faculty will wear green and white and anything Hamden Hall to show their support!
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
