News Archive

Class of 2021 alumna Gabriella “Gabi” Pesticci graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kenyon College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics. She also earned distinctions from the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honors Society and Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honors Society. 

Class of 2021 alumna Emma Rodrigues graduated from Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and history with a minor in creative writing.

Joyce Georgette Calarco, of North Haven, died at her home. She was 73. She is survived by her beloved daughter Cali Calarco, Hamden Hall alumna, Class of 2007, and her former husband, David Calarco. 

Class of 2019 alumnus Jaxon Alston is maximizing his experiences in law school. After earning a Bachelor of Science in political science and international relations from Carleton College, he entered the University of Minnesota Law School.

Class of 2021 alumna Callie Silvey graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stonehill College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and performing arts.

Class of 2021 alumnus and Lifer Andrew Neubauer graduated from Brown University with a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and English.

Class of 2021 alumnus Johar Varma graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration with a concentration in finance from D'Amore McKim School of Business.

Pursuing a career in the consulting management sector has allowed Class of 2014 alumna Allison “Allie” Izzo to use her data analysis and project management skills to help clients with their business needs in her new role as a manager at Huron Consulting Group in New York City.

Class of 2011 alumna Taylor Massey Alessi and husband William “Bill” Alessi have welcomed a second child, son Peyton Morgan Alessi.

Joseph Szászfai, of Branford, Conn., died on November 24, 2024, at the age of 85. He is survived by his three children and five grandchildren.

The 78 seniors from the Class of 2025 are ready to take their place outside of the pines and explore the unfamiliar as they received their diplomas and flipped their tassels in celebration of their next chapter at the 113th Annual Commencement Exercises on Friday, June 6.

Class of 2023 alumnus Kaleb Cohen was busy pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cinematography at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in Orange, Calif., and playing in a band with his college friends. Just for fun, he decided to put a video of one of his songs, East Coast Summers, up on TikTok, and it took off.

It was a lively, spirited yet bittersweet farewell for sixth-grade students as they processed into the Taylor Performing Arts Center amid parents, families, and faculty in attendance for a graduation ceremony celebrating the end of their Lower School journey.

The Taylor Arts Performing Center was filled with the echoes of passionate students as a select group of eighth graders took the stage to speak on serious worldwide issues and advocate for calls to action in front of their peers and Middle School faculty. These final declamation speeches serve as the year-end capstone project for history classes with teachers Bud Kohler and David Sokoloff.

Class of 1984 alumna Candace Panza Walker was recently featured in a Hartford Courant article and on local TV about life, motherhood, and her journey to earn her college degree.

Class of 2012 alumnus Curtis Antrum graduated from the University of Connecticut with his Ph.D., in Health Promotion Sciences. He is now focusing on pursuing postdoctoral opportunities in health policy research.

William "Bill" Ostrander of Clinton, Conn., died peacefully on May 24 at the age of 83.

The Whitney Avenue campus was animated with entertainment and live musical performances, lawn games and arts-and-crafts, and a cookout as the Upper School community came together for the celebration of arts at the annual MayFest event.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled to Trinity College for the New England Small School Championship Tournament against Hopkins School, winning 4-3.

Kathryn "Kathy" Griffin Coppola, of North Haven, died on May 22. She was 72. Kathy is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jeffrey Coppola.

Kathy was a longtime administrative staff person, having started at Hamden Hall in 1978. She began as a medical secretary and assistant during the 1978-1979 school year and eventually served as the administrative assistant to the Director of Lower School. Kathy became the assistant to the headmaster in 1993 under Jim Maggart and continued in that position for more than two decades. She completed her service to Hamden Hall during the 2016-2017 school year. Kathy established friendships with myriad alumni after they graduated from our halls, and remained connected up until the time of her passing. 

Kathy loved to spend time with family and friends. Besides her husband, she is survived by three of her eight siblings, including her brother, Peter Griffin, a former Hamden Hall staff member, sister-in-law, Beth Paradis Griffin, Class of 1972, also a former Hamden Hall staff member; her nephew, Varsity lacrosse and Wrestling Coach Kiernan Griffin, Class of 2000, and her niece, Cameron Griffin Porter, Class of 2011. She was also a great aunt to former student Nelly Griffin. 

Hamden Hall extends deep condolences to Jeff and family during this difficult time.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 29, from 4 - 7 p.m., at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. A Service celebrating her life will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. 

To read full obituary, please click here. 

Kathy's niece, Cammie Griffin Porter, Class of 2011, eulogized Kathy. Click here to read.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team competed against St. Luke’s School in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council semifinal game on Tuesday, May 20, winning 7-6 in nine innings.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled to the University of Saint Joseph for the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) quarterfinal game against St. Paul’s School on Monday, May 19, winning 7-3.

Lower School art teacher Sue Bennett 1973 and her husband, former Hamden Hall faculty member Dave Bennett, directed their creative efforts into a philanthropic undertaking as they participated in the 29th Annual Leonardo Challenge hosted by the Eli Whitney Museum.

The Taylor Performing Arts Center rumbled with the sounds of thunder, lightning, and cacophonous creatures as third-grade students performed their original play titled Thunder for parents and the Lower School community. The production concluded the Grade 3 unit of study on the Amazon rainforest.

Fourth-grade students learned about the principles of democracy and governance through an engaging presentation titled Rules, Fairness, Democracy, & You from special guests Connecticut Supreme Court Associate Justice William Bright and attorney Benjamin Schimelman.

The Girls’ Varsity Golf Team competed in the 39th Pippy O’Connor Independent School Girls Golf Classic/New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Tournament at the Simsbury Farms Golf Course on Monday, May 12, and placed third overall with a score of 325.

The dining hall was filled recently with enticing aromas of diverse culinary delights as the Middle School community came together to pass the plate and enjoy food from around the world during the fourth annual Cultural Food Assembly.

Rolf C. Margenau of Bethlehem, Penn., died peacefully at his home on February 13 at the age of 90. Rolf was a non-graduating student in the Class of 1952. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Hamden Hall alumna Nancy McKinster Margenau, Class of 1952, three daughters, four grandsons, and three great-grandsons.

Upper School Mandarin teacher Margaret Wei was nominated for the Amherst College Phebe and Zephaniah Swift Moore Teaching Award by Class of 2021 alumnus and current senior at Amherst College, Nathaniel Thomas.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled to Greens Farms Academy for the last regular game of the season on Thursday, May 8, winning 7-6.

Jeryl "Jeri" Vets Gagliardi-Levy died peacefully, in New Haven, on April 23, at the age of 90. 

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team traveled to Greens Farms Academy for a league game on Wednesday, May 7, winning 11-6.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team welcomed Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Greens Farms Academy for a home game on Wednesday, May 7, winning 2-1.

The Boys’ Varsity Golf Team took first place at the Fishers Island Invitational Tournament on Tuesday, May 6.

With an undefeated season record of 7-0, the Girls’ Varsity Golf Team won the first-ever Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) League Championship title for Hamden Hall. The team traveled to the Fairview Country Club for the individual FAA League Championship Tournament on Monday, May 5. 

Class of 1982 alumnus Rob Chapman married Sue Collin last month and had a little help from his Hamden Hall friends. The ceremony was officiated by Class of 1984 alumna Stephanie Zanker-Rivera, who was recently sworn in as a Justice of the Peace. 

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team competed against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival King School on Friday, May 2, winning 8-4.

The Girls’ Varsity Golf Team traveled to the Greenwich Country Club for a match against Greenwich Country Day School on Thursday, May 1, winning 5-0.

The eighth induction ceremony for Hamden Hall’s chapter of Rho Kappa, the National Social Studies Honor Society, featured the installment of 13 Upper School students by advisor Dr. Lisa Hill in a morning ceremony hosted in Swain Library.

Class of 1985 alumna Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher, PhD, FAED, CEDS-C, has made a career of helping individuals, families, and organizations cultivate resilience. Based outside of Chicago, Ellen just established two new psychology consulting businesses.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team welcomed Greenwich Country Day School for an afternoon game on Monday, April 28, winning 22-3.

The Girls’ Varsity Golf Team traveled to the Rockrimmon Country Club for a match against King School on Monday, April 28, winning 3.5-1.5.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team competed against Avon Old Farms in an away game on Monday, April 28, winning 3-2.

The Hamden Hall Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team traveled to New London for a non-league game against Williams School on Monday, April 28, winning 13-9.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team hosted the Frederick Gunn School for an afternoon game on Friday, April 25, winning 14-2.

The Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team welcomed Canterbury School for a home match at the James R. Maggart Tennis Courts on Friday, April 25, winning 6-1.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled to St. Luke’s School for an afternoon game on Thursday, April 24, winning 6-4.

Martha "Molly" Palmer Mithoefer, Class of 1968, of Trescott Township, Maine, died on April 22, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. 

The Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team traveled to St. Luke’s School for a league game on Thursday, April 24, winning 14-13 in double overtime.

The Girls’ Varsity Golf Team hosted St. Luke’s School for a home match at the New Haven Country Club on Thursday, April 24, winning in a 5-0 shutout.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team traveled to Canterbury School for an afternoon game on Wednesday, April 23, winning 4-3.

The Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team traveled to EF Academy for a match on Wednesday, April 23, winning 5-0 in a shutout.

Girls’ Varsity Tennis hosted Sacred Heart Greenwich at the James R. Maggart Tennis Courts for an afternoon match on Tuesday, April 22, winning 4-3.

It was recently brought to our attention that Hamden Hall alumna, Karly Elizabeth Mossberg, Class of 2005, unexpectedly passed away on September 10, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team competed against Harvey School during an away game on Thursday, April 17, winning 7-0.

The Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team traveled to Hopkins School for a weekend game on Saturday, April 19, winning 20-8.

The love of sports and strategic thinking led Class of 2014 alumna Sara Bennett to her new position with the National Hockey League (NHL) as she is the new senior manager of digital innovation and growth strategy for the NHL.

What makes a bird a bird? The answer is feathers, and birds are the only creatures with feathers. Third-grade students became junior ornithologists as they have been learning all about birds in class with Lower School Science teacher Emily Davies.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team traveled to Westover School for a game on Thursday, April 17, winning 18-0 in a complete shutout.

Upper School students have the opportunity to learn the judicial system through hands-on experience and gain an understanding of society's approach to dispute resolution and justice through an experiential learning opportunity with the newly established Mock Trial Club. Upper School history teacher Dr. Nuray Ibryamova serves as the faculty advisor.

The Girls’ Varsity Golf Team welcomed Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Rye Country Day School for a match on Thursday, April 17, winning 4.5-0.5.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled for an afternoon game against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Hopkins School on Tuesday, April 15, winning 9-2.

Cooper Woolston, son of Hamden Hall Alumna, Robyn Ramsey, Class of 1973, has died. He was a former lacrosse star, coach, and inspirational figure in the Seattle community.

The Girls’ Varsity Golf Team traveled to the Tamarak Country Club for a match against Holy Child School and Sacred Heart Greenwich on Monday, April 14.

The Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team hosted Holy Child School at the James R. Maggart Tennis Courts on Monday, April 14, winning in a 7-0 shutout.

The Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team welcomed Portledge School for a non-league game on Monday, April 14, winning 8-3.

The Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team traveled to Cheshire Academy for an afternoon match on Monday, April 14, winning 5-2.

1995 classmates Lou Mangini, Ian Alderman, and David Solomon were joined by Class of 1997 alumnus Colin Caplan at a fundraiser last month at BAR New Haven for A Broken Umbrella Theatre’s upcoming production of Family Business: (A)Pizza Play.

The Girls’ Varsity Golf Team welcomed Greenwich Academy for its first-ever match at the New Haven Country Club on Thursday, April 11, winning 5-0.

Former Hamden Hall Theater Teacher Helen Sheehy published her first novel titled Just Willa. It's a family saga that captures the essence of rural America, spanning seven decades of one woman’s life, taking the reader from the Dust Bowl to the Depression, from Roosevelt to Reagan.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team welcomed Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Greenwich Country Day School for an afternoon game on Wednesday, April 9, winning 8-2.

History came to life beyond the classroom with enthusiasm and creativity as fifth-grade students showcased the achievements of inventors, activists, scientists, athletes, visual and performing artists, and writers in their own curated exhibits in the Changemaker Living Museum hosted in Swain Library.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team welcomed Fairchester Athletic Association League rival King School for a game on Friday, April 4, winning 7-0 in a shutout.

Class of 1995 alumna Jennifer Olayon, and her husband Adam Galinsky, are living, working, and traveling the world — Singapore, Honolulu, and New York City. Along the way, they’re also raising two boys and learning from them.

Former faculty member, Robert Wallace McClenahan Jr., died on March 22, in Barnstable, Mass., at the age of 90.

As the 2024-2025 Winter sports season has come to a close, a plethora of our Varsity student-athletes have been honored and recognized by the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) and the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) for their outstanding athletic performance.

The Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team welcomed Canterbury School for a home match at the James R. Maggart Tennis Courts on Wednesday, April 2, winning 6-1.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team hosted Miss Hall’s School for a non-league afternoon game on Wednesday, April 2, winning 15-0.

Class of 2022 alumna Ava Vingiano is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in registered nursing from Clemson University and recently shared that she secured a summer position in her field.

Seventh-grade students turned into surgeons in Room 121 of the Schiavone Science Center as they observed, identified, and dissected a sheep heart during a hands-on lab activity in connection with their unit of study.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled to King School for an afternoon game on Tuesday, April 1, winning 4-2.

The Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team welcomed Worcester School for its first game of the season on Monday, March 31, winning 20-7.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team traveled to Rye Country Day School for its opening game of the season, winning 15-7.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled to Rye Country Day School for a league game on Friday, March 28, winning 11-3.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team welcomed Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Rye Country Day School for its opening game of the season, winning 3-2.

Future scientists and innovators in Hamden Hall’s Signature Program: Science, Innovation, & Design took center stage as representatives from both Upper and Middle School presented their independent research projects at the 77^th Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair.

Gregory "Greg" Sawyer, Class of 1989, of Hamden, Conn., died of sudden heart failure at home on January 21. He was 53.

Robert "Bob" Louis Garofalo of Woodbridge died peacefully at his home on March 18, surrounded by his loving family.

Sixth-grade students mixed creativity, scientific knowledge, and interactive storytelling as they wrote, edited, illustrated, and read aloud their own environmental science storybooks during a recent class presentation.

Growing up playing and watching sports, Class of 2018 alumnus Michael Johnson II knew his career would involve that passion, and he is now working towards his master’s degree in sports management.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team traveled to Wheaton College to compete in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship on March 8, with the Boys’ Team defending its championship title for the fifth consecutive year and the girls’ team earning the runner-up spot - the highest finish since 2015.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team has been named the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Tournament Class C Champions following its game against Kimball Union Academy on Sunday, March 9.

Taylor Gymnasium was abuzz with innate curiosity and scientific knowledge in the form of questions; most notably, what makes the fluffiest slime, can you make batteries out of lemons, and how does lip balm react in varying conditions as Grades 4-6 students showcased their research findings at the Lower School Science Fair.

Taylor Gymnasium was abuzz with innate curiosity and scientific knowledge in the form of questions; most notably, what makes the fluffiest slime, can you make batteries out of lemons, and how does lip balm react in varying conditions as Grades 4-6 students showcased their research findings at the Lower School Science Fair.

Class of 2008 alumna Alexa DellaRocco married Krystin Rothenberger on February 21. The wedding took place at the Casa Feliz Historic Museum in Winter Park, Fla., which is known for its beautiful brick architecture.

Class of 2009 alumna Nicole Anastasio and husband Lou Negri welcomed the birth of twin boys, Luca and Santino, to their family in January. The boys join their big sister Isabella, who is now two years old.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball welcomed Portsmouth Abbey School for the quarterfinal game of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Tournament on March 5 winning 83-60. The team now advances to the semifinals.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team hosted King School for the quarterfinal game of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Tournament on March 5 winning 71-29. The team now advances to the semifinals.

Despite the presence of a roaring fire, twinkly lights and illumining stars, second-grade students were quiet beside their campsites as they spent the morning enjoying a leisurely yet educational activity, Camp-Read-A Lot. The special activity not only highlighted the fun of being an accomplished reader, but commemorated Read Across America, a national program that aims to inspire students about the joys of reading and to become lifelong learners.

Alumnus David Bender, Class of 1970, of Westbrook, Conn. died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 1.

Small acts of kindness can be powerful as they have a ripple effect that can spread positivity and make differences in people’s lives. This superpower was harnessed by the Middle School Student Council in the recent launching of a Kindness Campaign.

Upper School students unleashed their creativity and craftsmanship skills in the MakerSpace Design Lab as they designed, cut, and assembled their own wood cutting boards from scratch in a hands-on project for their Engineering and Design class.

The passion for the game of basketball has transcended into business management and the opportunity to teach youth for Hamden Hall alumni Alejandro L. Pabon-Rey 2011, Michael DiMartino 2016, and Victor “Vic” Joshua Jr. 2012, as they work together at The Lab Branford.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team closed out its regular season with a 4-1 win against Trinity Pawling JV at the Ralph Walker Rink on February 24. The team has advanced to the Fairchester Athletic Association League playoffs.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team advanced to the semifinals of the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) League Tournament after winning the quarterfinal game against Greenwich Country Day School on February 24. The final score was 74-63.

Class of 1974 alumnus Prof. John Abelson is now able to focus on his love of the humanities as he embarks on a journey of discovery in retirement following a long-standing career in education.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team traveled for an away game against Portsmouth Abbey School on February 22 winning 64-58.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team competed in the Fairchester Athletic Association League Championship February 21-22 with the Boys’ Team finishing in third place.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team traveled for a game against St. Luke’s School on February 21 with the final score 5-5.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team successfully defended both the Boys’ and Girls’ titles at the Connecticut Independent School Athletic Conference (CISAC) Championships during which Hamden Hall hosted Westover School, Williams School, MacDuffie School, and Marianapolis School at the Beckerman Athletic Center Natatorium.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team traveled to Westport for a game against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Greens Farms Academy on Tuesday, February 18, winning 77-72.

Class of 1984 alumni Austin Baskett and Tom Greiner took on the waves during a recent outing in the island of Bonaire.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team traveled to the Harvey School for a late afternoon game on Friday, February 14, winning 4-0 in a shutout.

Two qualifying members of the Boys’ Varsity Wrestling Team competed at the New England Prep Wrestling Championship hosted at Phillips Exeter Academy on Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team traveled for an afternoon game against Harvey School on Wednesday, February 12, winning 70-25.

The Lower School Science classroom buzzed with enthusiasm and curiosity as third-grade students explored different ways of measuring the mass and volume of things around them

The Lower School Science classroom buzzed with enthusiasm and curiosity as third-grade students explored different ways of measuring the mass and volume of things around them.

The beauty and creative nature of the arts has allowed Class of 1972 alumna Jill Medvedow to build a life full of transformative experiences. As she is in the process of navigating a career shift, Jill shared parting wisdom from a lifetime of modern art.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team welcomed Watkinson School for a home game on Monday, February 10, winning 81-24.

The Boys’ Varsity Wrestling Team traveled to Pomfret School to compete in the Western New England Prep School Wrestling Association (WNEPSWA) Tournament on Saturday, February 8.

The Girls’ Varsity Swimming and Diving Team welcomed Convent of the Sacred Heart for a weekend match at the Beckerman Athletic Center Natatorium on Saturday, February 8.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team traveled to Hopkins School for a meet on Wednesday, February 5, with the Boys’ Team closing out the season with a 6-2 record and the Girls’ Team with one meet to go.

Five seniors from the Class of 2025 have experienced all of the Hamden Hall time-honored traditions from the Lower School Halloween parade and Valentine’s Day Bake Sale, to sixth-grade graduation to musical concerts and performances to MayFest, and more. The longevity of their time under the pines was recently celebrated at the Lifers’ Shirting Ceremony.

Books have the magical ability to take us on a journey beyond the pages into different worlds and to celebrate World Read Aloud Day, Middle and Upper School students grabbed their picture books and shared the joys of reading.

Books have the magical ability to take us on a journey beyond the pages into different worlds and to celebrate World Read Aloud Day, Middle and Upper School students grabbed their picture books and shared the joys of reading.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team welcomed Harvey School at the Ralph Walker Rink for a home game on Monday, February 3, winning 7-3.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team faced off against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Hopkins School on Monday, February 3, winning 54-15.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team traveled crosstown for a game against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Hopkins School on Monday, February 3, winning 74-62.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team welcomed Fairchester Athletic Association League rival St. Luke’s School to Blake Rink for a game on Wednesday, January 29, winning 8-6.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team hosted Williams School, Kingswood Oxford, and Marianapolis School for a quad meet at the Beckerman Athletic Center Natatorium on Wednesday, January 29, with both teams winning across the board.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team welcomed Greenwich Academy for a game on Wednesday, January 29, winning 80-25.

Hamden Hall parent and Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey Coach Danielle Pannone has been named the new Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach for the upcoming spring season. She also is the head coach at Dewlex Lacrosse Club.

January 29 marked the start of Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, a multi-day celebration that signals the arrival of spring in many Asian cultures. From classroom lessons and projects, to food and assemblies, all three divisions are taking part in celebrating and learning more about the holiday and its traditions.

Second-grade students embarked on an exciting journey into the world of meteorology by creating their very own anemometers in a hands-on STEM activity. Wind speed is calculated using the device known as an anemometer.

Second-grade students embarked on an exciting journey into the world of meteorology by creating their very own anemometers in a hands-on STEM activity. Wind speed is calculated using the device known as an anemometer.

The Boys’ Varsity Wrestling Team traveled for an away meet against Canterbury School, Marianapolis School, and the Forman School at Canterbury on Saturday, January 25.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team welcomed Holy Child School for a home game on Saturday, January 25, winning 54-30.

An early interest in computers and an unwavering curiosity of how they work led Class of 1997 alumnus Matthew “Matt” Ahrens to an engineering career in the area of file systems management at high-tech companies.

The magical world of fairytales took an imaginative spin as Grade 4 students offered a new perspective on the timeless classics of Three Little Pigs and Cinderella with their own creatively adapted scripts in their cross-curricular stage production of Once Upon A Remix for families and fellow Lower School students.

This is the third and final part of my blog series on returning to Hamden Hall as the new Director of Alumni Relations. I’ve covered Hamden Hall’s past (my past) and present, but I now want to look into the future.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team continues its success on the ice as it faced off against Choate (JV) on Saturday, January 18, winning 9-2.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team traveled for an away meet against Canterbury School and Holy Child on Saturday, January 18, with the Boys’ winning 50-29 against Canterbury.

English 10 classes murmured with anticipation, intention, and drama as they stood on the stage of the Taylor Performing Arts Center ready to perform their original interpretation of a passage from Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

With a little imagination and creativity, anything is possible including first-grade students demonstrating yoga poses as they took families and fellow Lower School students on a relaxing journey in their performance of I Am Yoga. The idea for the show was based on the book by author Susan Verde.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team hosted Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Rye Country Day School for an afternoon game on Tuesday, January 14, winning 83-63.

Matthew Kennedy, of New Haven, alum from the Class of 1997, died over this past weekend.

“Life is Delicious” when giving back to those in need. The Middle School community continues to promote stewardship and build connections as seventh- and eighth-grade students commenced the first installment of the annual community service project.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team traveled to the Bancroft School for an away game on Friday, January 10, winning 79-70.

The Boys’ Varsity Wrestling Team welcomed Stony Brook Academy, Storm King School, and New York Military Academy for a tri-meet at the Beckerman Athletic Center on Saturday, January 11.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team traveled for a non-league game against Millbrook School on Friday, January 10, winning 79-70.

Class of 2013 alumnus Jamie DeNicola built a transformative career as a broker in New York City real estate, but has shifted gears to tackle sustainability and energy efficiency challenges within the industry as the founder and chief revenue officer of Source Forward.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team hosted Masters School and Greenwich Country Day School for a dual meet at the Beckerman Athletic Center Natatorium on Saturday, January 11.

Joan Rice Douglas Gordon, Hamden Hall alumna from the Class of 1945, died on July 1, 2024,  in Jacksonville, Fla. She was 95.

Class of 2005 alumnus Christopher “Chris” Wang assists clients in sourcing new investment opportunities across the office, industrial, and multifamily sectors in the commercial real estate business for Parkway in Miami, Fla.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team traveled for an away match against Brunswick School on Thursday, January 9, winning 12-0.

Budding scientists in the Upper School have the opportunity to develop meaningful projects that address real-world challenges through the integration of biology and STEM principles via Hamden Hall’s new BioBuilder Club. Science teacher Daniel Kemp serves as the club’s advisor.

Understanding the financial landscape and precious metals industry has allowed Class of 2009 alumnus Jacob “Jake” Gottlieb to not only join the family business, but successfully lend his expertise to clients as the vice president of finance at Colt Refining, Inc.

George H. Romania, 65, of Cheshire, died peacefully on December 25, with his family by his side, ending his long battle with MSA. 

Advocacy in action is the blueprint for Class of 1984 alumna Stephanie Zanker-Rivera as she works to help others in her role  as a behavioral health clinical manager with the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. She also serves as the Director of the Young Parents Program.

Carol M. Merrill, 87, died peacefully with her family beside her on December 19, 2024, after a brief hospitalization.

Thomas "TG" Sullivan III, Class of 1987, passed away on December 14, 2024. 

Former faculty member Thomas Butler, 77, passed away on January 2 in Ithaca, N.Y. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Joyce Ryan, and his son, Nick, who is a Hamden Hall alumnus of the Class of 2000.

Class of 2011 alumna Morgan Massey and husband Neville Graham welcomed their first child, son Logan Neville Graham.