With the 2023 Fall Athletics season officially closed, a plethora of our Varsity student-athletes have been recognized with honors and awards for their outstanding performance and commitment to their sport by the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA)  and the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC).

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team welcomed Storm King School for its first home game on Monday, December 4, winning 94-37.

The Upper School Music Department has been recognized for its continued excellence as a combined 28 choral and instrumental students have advanced to compete in the Southern Region High School Music Festival sponsored by the Connecticut Music Educators’ Association.

Families, food, and art were just a few ingredients that made up the Grade 4 Heritage Food and Art Show as students and teachers Emily Schimelman 2002 and Stephanie Riedel hosted the culminating event of the classes’ Immigration Unit.

Class of 2014 alumnus Christian Montano is happily engaged to fiancé Rachel Ugolik.

Class of 2009 alumnus Eli Landow married Kailey Decker on September 9 at the Spring Lake Bath and Tennis Club in Spring Lake, N.J.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team traveled to Harvey School for its opening game on Wednesday, November 29, winning 77-70.

It was a day of cultural understanding and conversations as the Upper School community welcomed six students from Hope Haven Rwanda to campus for a visit and special assembly.

Middle and Upper School Latin students took learning into their own hands as they had the opportunity to participate in a demo workshop testing the new online component of the Cambridge Latin Course. The course will be part of the 6th edition package that will launch in 2024.

Middle and Upper School Latin students took learning into their own hands as they had the opportunity to participate in a demo workshop testing the new online component of the Cambridge Latin Course. The course will be part of the 6th edition package that will launch in 2024.

The third floor of the Whitson Building was filled with the aroma of cultural foods as eighth-grade students in teacher Jill McLeavy’s Spanish class spiced up the conclusion of their unit of study with a food party.

The Hamden Hall Community gives thanks and offers a special salute to all who have served and continue to serve our country. While school was not in session for Veterans Day, the week prior had been filled with discussions, art projects, and activities around campus.

Maxine Zuckerman died on November 7. She was predeceased by her husband Harold.

Class of 2009 alumnus Greg Reiner understands the societal impact of the digital world and works to elevate the product experience as Lead Product Manager at Meta.

Barbara Brandi of Hamden, died on November 4 at the age of 86.

Middle School students put their engineering and design skills to the test in their latest hands-on learning project as they tinkered away in the MakerSpace Design Lab to create handheld marble mazes for an in-class competition.

The Boys’ Varsity Water Polo Team won its back-to-back matches against Loomis Chaffee and Phillips Exeter Academy during Homecoming weekend on Saturday, October 28.

Once a Hornet, always a Hornet! The Hamden Hall Community celebrated Homecoming 2023 with two full days of activities and athletic games on both our Whitney Avenue and Skiff Street campuses.

Once a Hornet, always a Hornet! The Hamden Hall Community celebrated Homecoming 2023 with two full days of activities and athletic games on both our Whitney Avenue and Skiff Street campuses.

Once a Hornet, always a Hornet! The Hamden Hall Community celebrated Homecoming 2023 with two full days of activities and athletic games on both our Whitney Avenue and Skiff Street campuses.

The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team hosted St. Luke’s School for its Homecoming game on Saturday, October 28, winning 3-1.

John Peter Aurora, Sr. passed away peacefully on October 27 surrounded by his loving family. He was 83.

Boys Soccer:

The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team traveled for an afternoon game against Rocky Hill School of RI on Tuesday, October 24, winning 11-3.

Kindergarten students got into the spooky season spirit as they donned graphic purple, green, and orange shirts with spider webs, witches hats, pumpkins, and ghosts for a fall performance in the Taylor Arts Performing Center for families and their fifth-grade buddies.

The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team took the field against Watkinson School for its senior night game on Wednesday, October 25, winning 5-2.

Streams hide an underwater world of organisms and ecosystems in a fantastically varied web of life and sixth-grade students put on their water shoes, grabbed their nets, and spent the afternoon exploring the waters of the Mill River in East Rock State Park for a hands-on science activity. The project focused on biodiversity sampling of stream and forest ecosystems.

Current grandparent Predrag Delmic, 71, of Wethersfield, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Hartford.

 The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team welcomed Christian Heritage School for a game on Monday, October 23, winning 2-1.

 The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team traveled for an afternoon game against Watkinson School on Monday, October 23, winning 3-0.

As a board-certified behavior analyst, Class of 2010 alumnus Eric Warren Jr. enjoys helping people help themselves as he establishes planned behavior strategies for them and other impactful client-care services.

The Hamden Hall community kicked off its ongoing commitment to being a kind and respectful environment for all with myriad educational activities and a school-wide pledge commitment and banner signing as part of the No Place for Hate program.

The Hamden Hall community kicked off its ongoing commitment to being a kind and respectful environment for all with myriad educational activities and a school-wide pledge commitment and banner signing as part of the No Place for Hate program.

The Hamden Hall community kicked off its ongoing commitment to being a kind and respectful environment for all with myriad educational activities and a school-wide pledge commitment and banner signing as part of the No Place for Hate program.

Class of 2011 alumna Morgan Massey married Neville Graham on September 9 at St. Mary’s Church in Branford, Conn., with the reception held at Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club.

The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team welcomed MacDuffie School at the Beckerman Athletic Center for a weekend match on Saturday, October 14, winning 3-0.

The Boys’ Varsity Water Polo Team hosted Hopkins at the Beckerman Athletic Center Natatorium for a match on Wednesday, October 11, winning 16-8.

Being an ally and promoting kindness, inclusion, and belonging was the focus of a recent interactive leadership training workshop attended by a select group of Upper School students.

Former Hamden Hall faculty member Nicholas "Nick" F. DeFelice, died on October 8 at his home in Southington. He was 86.

The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team traveled for an away game against Masters School on Saturday, October 7, winning 4-2.

The Boys’ Varsity Water Polo Team traveled to Andover School for two matches on Saturday, October 7.

The Skiff Street Athletic Fields were filled with laughter, interactive discussions, and team-bonding activities and games as the freshman class and the 12 seniors selected for the Peer Leadership Program partook in Activity Day.

To assist Middle School students in developing responsible online behavior, new instruction called Digital Citizenship and Literacy will be implemented into advisory groups this fall.

The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team took the field at the Skiff Street Athletic Complex for an afternoon game against Greens Farm Academy, ending in a 1-1 tie.

Past Parents, Ann and David Talbott of Guilford, Conn., died on September 17 and September 19, respectively. They were the parents of Hamden Hall alumna, Shannon Talbott, Class of 1990.

The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team traveled to Holy Child for an away game on Saturday, September 30, winning 6-2.

The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team faced off against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Masters School during an afternoon game on Saturday, September 30, winning 3-0.

The Boys’ Varsity Water Polo Team won back-to-back matches against Westminster School and Hopkins this past Saturday, September 30.

Sunny skies and the East Haven shoreline welcomed our fourth-graders as they explored the intertidal zone habitat at the beach home of Board of Trustees President Andrew Acquarulo and his wife Pam Acquarulo.

William "Bill" B. Maley Sr., of Orange, Conn., died peacefully at his home on September 19. He was 99.

Barbara Halbing Fiskio, Class of 1950, of Wellesley, Mass., died on September 6 in Boston while recovering from injuries sustained in a fall. She was 90.

The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team traveled to Emmanuel Christian Academy for an away game on Tuesday, September 26, winning 2-1.

Mary Martha “Toni” Wildey Grady, Class of 1957, died on Friday, September 22 in Haverhill, Mass. She was 84 years old.

The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team traveled to the Williams School for an afternoon game on Friday, September 22, winning 1-0.

The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team took the court at the Beckerman Athletic Center against Pomfret School on Saturday, September 23, winning 3-2.

The Boys’ Varsity Water Polo Team traveled for an away game against Loomis Chaffee on Saturday, September 23, winning 17-7.

Britney Harris-Bieder, wife of Hamden Hall faculty member Evan Bieder, died on September 13. She was 32.

The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team welcomed the Millbrook School for an afternoon match on Wednesday, September 20, winning 3-0.

The Boys’ Varsity Water Polo Team competed against Fairchester Athletic Association Rival Greenwich Country Day School on Wednesday, September 20, winning 11-5.

Establishing peer-to-peer connections is definitely the Hamden Hall way, and our Middle School Advocates Program is one way bonds are cultivated between Middle and Upper School students.

Class of 1957 alumnus Edward Alling has not returned to campus since graduation, but has lived quite the life since leaving the pines including serving his country.

The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team hosted Emmanuel Christian Academy at the Skiff Street Athletic Complex for an afternoon game on Tuesday, September 19.

Six Upper School students have received the Learning Pathway Certification from Global Online Academy after engaging in an exclusive digital learning experience.

Class of 2003 alumnus Brian Danishevsky is happily engaged to fiancée Michelle Gordon.

The Boys’ Varsity Water Polo Team welcomed Wilbraham & Monson Academy for its first match of the season on Wednesday, September 13, winning 19-6.

The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team welcomed Christian Heritage School for its season opener on Monday, September 11, winning 2-0.

The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team traveled to the Williams School for an afternoon game on Monday, September 11, winning 9-0 in a shut-out performance.

The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team took the field at the Skiff Street Athletic Complex for its season opener on Saturday, September 9, winning 4-3 against Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team welcomed Wooster School and Wilbraham & Monson Academy for the first two games of the season over the weekend, winning 3-0 in both matches.

Nedra Nobleman died on August 28 in Hamden. She was 79.

Second-grade teacher and Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse coach Emily Anderson and her boyfriend Morgan Ward White are now engaged.

Class of 2016 alumnus Carl Porto III and his peers had the distinct honor of being published in Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons.

Former Hamden Hall student Justin Cain died on August 15 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was 53.

Class of 2021 alumnus Liam Kohler has taken his collegiate studies abroad as he is spending the fall semester at the University of Galway in Ireland. Liam is a current junior at Connecticut College.

Charles "Charlie" E. Tiernan Jr. of Ivoryton died August 26. 

Class of 2011 alumna Taylor Massey and husband William “Bill” Alessi welcomed their first child, son Hayden William Alessi.

A former professional soccer player and college athlete has been named the new Boys’ Varsity Soccer coach. Michael Moore kicks off his first season with the Hornets this fall.

Former college athlete Kaeley DeNegre has been named the new Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey Head Coach for the upcoming fall season. Lauren Griffin will remain with the team as the assistant coach.

Class of 2012 alumnus Walter Davis Jr. finds the world of advertising and its influence intriguing as he works as an account director in the Partnership Sales sector at Xandr (Microsoft) in New York City.

Creating a sustainable future motivates Class of 2007 alumnus Zachary “Zach” Ross as he works as a director at Opinion Dynamics, a consulting firm that specializes in research and evaluation for energy efficiency, building decarbonization, and transportation electrification.

Herbert S. Newman died on August 7 at the age of 89. He was the grandfather of Hamden Hall alumnus Silas Newman, class of 2013.

Frank W. Hubbell III, alumnus of the Class of 1988, died suddenly on July 29, 2023, at his home on Marco Island, Florida. He was 53 years old.

Class of 2007 alumna Tricia Richardi Vaillancourt and her husband, Jeff, welcomed their fourth child in March, daughter Isla Christine Vaillancourt.

Class of 2011 alumnus Jared Bronen has expanded his technical career and now works for Google Shopping as a software engineer on the Loyalty Team.

A special event hosted by Class of 2003 alumni and married couple Alexander “Sandy” Grindley and Lavinia Choate Mackall welcomed family and friends for an enjoyable afternoon. 

Hamden Hall alumnus Joseph W. Kay III, Class of 2014, died on June 15 at his home in Rutland, Vermont. He was 32.

James Arthur Nugent, Hamden Hall grandparent, died on June 10 in Sarasota, Fla. He was 84. 

Pomp and circumstance marked the celebration of the 111th Commencement as the 77 members of the Class of 2023 dressed in white caps and gowns walked through the main campus courtyard to receive their diplomas.

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

The Taylor Performing Arts Center was full of joy and feelings of nostalgia as the current 28 sixth-grade students said goodbye to their Lower School journey during a graduation ceremony in their honor.

Calls to action and the echoes of thought-provoking dialogue regarding global human rights issues could be heard throughout the Taylor Performing Arts Center as the eight students took the stage to deliver their final declamation speeches. The speeches serve as the year-end capstone project for history classes with teachers Bud Kohler and David Sokoloff.

Former English teacher and faculty member Arnold “Arnie” Sabatelli has been quite busy as he delves into the world of writing and producing as a freelance writer and content creator.

Lower School art teacher Sue Bennett 1973 and her husband and former faculty member Dave Bennett recently participated in the 27th Annual Leonardo Challenge hosted by the Eli Whitney Museum.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team won the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Tournament Championship game against Winchendon School on Saturday, May 27, with a score of 4-3.

Learning and studying history went beyond the classroom as fifth-grade students took on the personas of different historical figures who were known as agents of change in the Changemakers Living Museum presentation for parents and guests in the Lender Refectory.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team took to the field to play the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Tournament semifinal game against Kings Edgehill School on Wednesday, May 24, winning in a 3-0 shutout.

The Co-ed Varsity Golf Team placed first in the Kingswood Invitational Tournament/ New England Prep Championship on Wednesday, May 24, with a score of 385.

Kathy Herlihy, of Wallingford, died on April 10 after a multi-year battle with breast cancer.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team welcomed St. Luke’s School for the quarterfinal game of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) tournament on Monday, May 24, winning 6-5.

The spacious lawn of the Davis Street campus was alive with musical performances, sports games, delicious food, and other activities and crafts as the Upper School community enjoyed the annual MayFest celebration.

Food builds bridges and has the power to bring people and cultures together. That was the case as seventh- and eighth-grade students came together in Lender Refectory to celebrate culinary diversity and enjoy a huge buffet of delights during the recent Cultural Food Assembly.

Twelve Upper School students have been selected to join an impressive roster of past student ambassadors as Peer Leaders for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team won the Fairchester Athletic Association League semifinal game against St. Luke’s School on Tuesday, May 16, with a score of 2-0.

It was a morning celebration of music, theater, and art as third-grade students performed Over in the Greenlands inspired by the book, Wutaryoo, by author Nilah Mgruder. The performance served as a cross-curricular project through the guidance of teacher Alexis Harris 2001, Lower School art teacher Sue Bennet 1973, theater teacher Lisa Daly, and music teacher Rachael Jungkeit to conclude the Grade 3 unit of study on the African Savanna grasslands.

The Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team traveled to Wilbraham & Monson Academy for an afternoon match on Saturday, May 13, winning 6-1.

Ann Rademacher Burrow, Class of 1946, died peacefully in Hamden on January 29, 2023 at the age of 93. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Gerard "Jerry" Burrow, and is survived by three children.

The Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Team welcomed Storm King School for the final game of the season on Friday, May 12, winning 18-2.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team returned to the Skiff Street Athletic Complex for its final home game of the season against Hopkins School on Friday, May 12, winning 6-5.

Alumna Susan Thalheimer Strauss, Class of 1947, died on May 10 in Iowa City. She was 93. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Strauss. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. John Strauss, whom she married in 1950, and daughter Mary Strauss-Penka. 

The Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team won its match against Holy Child on Tuesday, May 9, with a score of 6-1.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and the Grade 11 Student Government hosted an activity day during assembly time to help Upper School students alleviate stress, pause for a moment of self-care, and take a well-deserved break from academics.

Eighth-grade students didn’t have to travel to the United Nations to speak on public policy decisions regarding climate and transportation; all they had to do was visit history teacher David Sokoloff’s classroom in the Whitson Building. Once there, they heard and delivered presentations and penned open letters to UN ambassadors to advocate for the adoption of electric vehicles and resolutions to update climate change pledges.

The Co-ed Varsity Golf Team took first place at the Fisher’s Island Invitational Tournament on Tuesday, May 9.

Class of 2005 alumnus Jason Carrese has dedicated his career to serving patients as an Internal Medicine Hospitalist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at UConn Health.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled to St. Luke’s School for an afternoon game on Monday, May 8, winning 6-2.

The Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Team welcomed The Williams School for a matchup on Monday, May 8, winning 19-11.

The Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team honored players Ethan Coady, Kai Chometa, and John Golioto as part of the Senior Day celebration before taking to the field against Kings School for an afternoon match on Friday, May 5.

Head of School Bob Izzo has announced that seniors Charles “Charlie” Wortman and Kamini Purushothaman have been chosen as the Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.

The Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Team hosted Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Holy Child for an afternoon match on Monday, May 1, winning 16-11.

     The dream has come true for Hornet alum Luke Schoonmaker, Class of 2018, when he was recently drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the NFL Draft. The overall #58 pick played tight end at the University of Michigan, where he was a major contributor to the #2 nationally ranked Wolverines’ stellar 13-1 season. A two time All Big-Ten selection, Schoonmaker was described by NFL.com as a tight end with “good body control and is fluid in and out of breaks. His ability to find soft zones allows him to get open and earn yards after the catch. Schoonmaker is a solid and willing blocker who can develop in that area given his size.” That combination helped Michigan capture the Big Ten title last fall before being edged by TCU in the national semifinal game.

The art of storytelling through poetry and spoken-word evokes emotions allowing listeners to become part of the story. Standing on the stage of the Taylor Performing Arts Center with nothing but a microphone and a notebook, spoken-word poet Sarah Kay performed excerpts from her book, No Matter the Wreckage, for Upper School students and faculty as part of the Visiting Writers Series, a program supported by the Betty Lou Blumberg Endowed Chair of English. Mrs. Blumberg was also on hand in the audience and met Sarah at the conclusion of the assembly.

Hamden Hall is pleased to announce that United States Senator Chris Murphy will deliver the keynote address to graduates at the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 9.

It was a sea of colorful togas and tunics as Latin students in Grades 7-12 were high in spirit as they spent the day at Holiday Hill for Connecticut State Latin Day, an immersive event where students from all over the state participate in activities and presentations inspired by the classics.

The Co-ed Varsity Golf Team traveled to the New Canaan Country Club for a match on Thursday, April 27, against St. Luke’s School, winning 191-209.

The Co-ed Varsity Golf Team out-putted Hackley School during an afternoon match on Wednesday, April 26, winning 188-215.

Class of 1990 alumna Jessica Kleinerman has found herself a safe haven and a new venture as she now works as an infusion chef.

Carmela “Cam” Casale Paradis of North Haven, passed away peacefully on April 24 at the age of 92.

The Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team swung to a 7-0 victory against Harvey School on Monday, April 24.

The Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team traveled to Miss Porter’s School for a weekend match on Saturday, April 22, winning 6-1.

The Co-ed Varsity Golf Team traveled to the Apawamis Club for a match against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Rye Country Day School on Wednesday, April 19, winning 200-230.

It was a week of cultural immersion, global learning, and conversation as nine Middle and Upper School students from the French B and French 2 classes hosted a small group of French exchange students from a private school near Lyon, France.

It was a week of cultural immersion, global learning, and conversation as nine Middle and Upper School students from the French B and French 2 classes hosted a small group of French exchange students from a private school near Lyon, France.

The Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Team faced off against Convent of Sacred Heart on Wednesday, April 19, winning 7-4 in a hard fought battle.

Joan Carolyn Ivers Gantzel, Hamden Hall Class of 1960, of Aspen, Colorado, died peacefully on March 31, after a long illness.

Middle School students partook in an off-site outdoor and nature conservation trip as they spent the day working to maintain Connecticut’s nature landscapes by lending helping hands and supporting two organizations, Greater New Haven and The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA). The initiative was part of the Middle School’s annual Earth Day observation and was planned and organized by the efforts of teachers Paulomi Aldo and Aidan Clark-Long.

The Art Cottage has been bustling with Lower School students all week as each class spent time crafting art projects that honor Earth Day and raise awareness on environmental issues.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled to King School for a game on Tuesday, April 18, winning 10-0.

The Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team welcomed the Forman School for an afternoon match on Monday, April 17, winning 12-5.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team welcomed Marianopolis School for a non-league game on Saturday, April 15, winning 5-4.

“What makes a good friend?” What can you do if someone is unkind to you or a friend?” Lower School students pondered those questions as  they enjoyed a morning full of conversations and art projects with their buddies. This activity served as the final project for the No Place for Hate campaign for the school year.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team welcomed Greenwich Country Day School for an afternoon game on Thursday, April 13, winning 19-0.

The Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team welcomed Ethel Walker School for an afternoon match at the James R. Maggart Tennis Courts on Wednesday, April 12, winning the game 6-1.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team took to the field at the Skiff Street Athletic Complex for an afternoon game against St. Luke’s School on Tuesday, April 11, winning 4-3.

Class of 2004 alumnus Dr. Alexander Carrese turned his love of learning and belief in compassionate patient care into a career of helping others as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician at Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine, PC., in Middlebury, Conn.

The Co-ed Varsity Golf Team hosted Greens Farms Academy at the New Haven Country Club on Monday, April 10.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team completed its third shut-out win following a road game against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Rye Country Day School on Monday, April 10. 

Elliott Kerzner of Delray Beach, formerly of Hamden, died on April 10. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy, two children, and several grandchildren.

The winter athletic season certainly was one to remember, and history was made when on the same day the Boys Varsity Swim team achieved the incredible New England Championship Threepeat, while Girls Basketball capped off an outstanding season by also capturing a New England title. Though there is no pressure to match that feat, the spring teams certainly hold high aspirations to be just as competitive. The season has just gotten underway, so here is a look at a few of the teams and perhaps what to expect. (A second post will cover the teams not featured here.)

The Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team hosted Canterbury School at the James R. Maggart Tennis Court on Wednesday, April 5, winning 5-2.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team traveled to Hopkins School for an afternoon game on Tuesday, April 4, winning 8-0.

The Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) and New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) awards honor and recognize student-athletes for their outstanding performance and commitment to athletics throughout the season. Honors include All-League, All-League Honorable Mentions, All-NEPSAC, All-NEPSAC Honorable Mentions, and more. The following is a summation of notable achievements and accolades earned by our Varsity athletes throughout the course of the 2022-2023 Winter Season.

The Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Team opened its season with a weekend tournament hosted by Lexington Christian Academy on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1.

The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team played its first home game of the season at the Skiff Street Athletic Complex against MacDuffie School on Monday, April 3, winning 15-1.

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball Team claimed a 5-0 shut-out victory against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Greens Farms Academy on Monday, April 3.

Do you remember the excitement of dropping a marble into a maze and watching it roll, spin, and finally land at the bottom of your track? Middle School students put that excitement into their latest hands-on learning project as they tinkered away in the MakerSpace Design Lab to create handheld marble mazes for an in-class competition.

The steadfast commitment to helping others and bettering the healthcare system has led Class of 2008 alumnus Royce Brunson to take on the role of Chief Revenue Officer at Health Recovery Solutions, a digital company that supplies remote monitoring and telehealth solutions to healthcare providers with the aim of reducing patient readmission.

The scientific minds of students in Hamden Hall’s signature program, Science, Innovation, & Design, were on full display as students in both Upper and Middle School presented their independent research projects at the 75th Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair. The students were mentored and advised by Director of Science, Innovation, & Design Dr. Frank Gasparro, Upper School science teacher Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald and Middle School science teacher Paulomi Aldo. 

Hamden Hall past parent Betty Trachtenberg of Hamden, died at her home on March 14 at the age of 89.

Hamden Hall past parent John E. Sizemore of New Haven, died on March 13, at the Arden House in Hamden. He was 84.

Class of 1984 alumnus Austin Baskett enjoyed a long career within the beauty sector of business, but has joined the semi-retired life while going back to his roots as a graphic designer and illustrator as he will be a featured artist in the Denver International Airport this year.

The art of storytelling is more than weaving together words, but connecting minds and hearts to feelings and shared experiences. Class of 1998 alumna Lauren Hansen builds stories for the ears as she is currently working and developing two podcasts with iHeartMedia.

Christopher Tracy of Guilford, a Hamden Hall past parent, died on March 5 at the age of 63.

Joseph Onorato of Madison passed away peacefully at his home on March 10, 2023 with his family by his side.

It all starts with a question. What is this? How does this work? What is the hypothesis to the problem? Students in Grades 4-6 investigated those questions and turned them into answers as they put their scientific knowledge on display at the Lower School Science Fair.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team won the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship on Sunday, March 5, besting Wilbraham and Monson Academy 64-56.

Science is a field of study with many roads. All roads have one common thread - an inquisitive mind, which is a key foundation skill for a budding scientist. Middle School students now have the opportunity to think like young scientists and engineers with the expansion of the Hamden Hall Signature Program, Science, Innovation, & Design.

The Co-ed Swimming and Diving Team competed in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Championship on Saturday, March 4, at Cornerstone Aquatics Center with the Boys’ Team placing first with 368 points and the Girls’ Team placing fourth with 175 points.

Karen O'Brien Lenois of North Haven, died on March 1 at Yale-New Haven Hospital surrounded by her family. She was 79 years old.

The Academic Decathlon Team composed of senior Anish Dhawan, sophomores Theodora Aslan, Helena Chaine, Daniella Li Alexander Yi, and freshman Tobias Liu placed second overall at the CT State Competition of the U.S. Academic Decathlon at New Fairfield High School

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team returned to the Beckerman Athletic Center for the first game of the Fairchester Athletic Association League Tournament against Greenwich Academy on Tuesday, February 21, winning 60-17.

What traits and characteristics make us unique? How do we celebrate individuality? Those are the questions the Hamden Hall community was asked to ponder as all three school divisions came together to create a collage full of colorful Hornets that are now affixed to hives around campus. This project served as the second activity for the ongoing No Place for Hate campaign.  

What traits and characteristics make us unique? How do we celebrate individuality? Those are the questions the Hamden Hall community was asked to ponder as all three school divisions came together to create a collage full of colorful Hornets that are now affixed to hives around campus. This project served as the second activity for the ongoing No Place for Hate campaign. 

What traits and characteristics make us unique? How do we celebrate individuality? Those are the questions the Hamden Hall community was asked to ponder as all three school divisions came together to create a collage full of colorful Hornets that are now affixed to hives around campus. This project served as the second activity for the ongoing No Place for Hate campaign.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team returned to the Beckerman Athletic Center for Senior Night and to play the last home game of the regular season against Masters School on Saturday, February 18, winning 76-49.

A former U.S. Olympic gold medalist swimmer, Eric Shanteau, once said, “Being happy outside the pool means fast swimming in the pool.” Based on the season thus far, the Hamden Hall swim team is clear proof of that wisdom. The boys team recently finished 3rd in the Fairchester Athletic Association meet, and both they and the girls were thoroughly dominant in capturing another CISAC title last Wednesday at the Beckerman Center. They are also poised to make a run at yet another New England prep title. Yet in speaking with both head coach, Jen Lyman, as well as a number of senior captains, the success of this season is not to be measured by simply the wins and losses, but by how much fun the team has while swimming and in enjoying each other’s company and efforts.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team defended its home court against Greens Farms Academy on Tuesday, February 14, winning 94-54.

Dr. H. Michael (Mike) Fiskio, Class of 1953, died on January 27, 2023, at the age of 87, at home in Middlebury, Vt. He was born in New Haven, CT. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, and three children. He was predeceased by his brother and Hamden Hall alumnus Peter Fiskio Jr., Class of 1950.

He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland in 1960. He then joined the U.S. Army, where he served in the Dental Corps from 1960 to1962. Following his discharge, he opened a dental practice in New Haven, CT.

Hamden Hall extends condolences to the Fiskio family. To read full obituary, please click here.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team traveled on the road to play against Wilbraham and Monson Academy on Friday, February 10, winning 63-61.

Class of 2020 alumnus Michael Lee has kept his passion for music and live performance alive as he is a full-time orchestra and board member of the Davenport Pops Orchestra at Yale University.

Class of 1975 alumna Susan Gordon, Ph.D., has published a new book titled, The Mind-Brain Continuum: Psychoneurointracrinology.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team tipped off against Rye Country Day School on Wednesday, February 8, winning 69-41.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team took the ice against Kingswood-Oxford School on Wednesday, February 8, to end with a 4-4 tie.

February marks the month-long celebration of Black History Month, and to honor important figures throughout history, sophomore Peighton Alston and senior Konye Taylor, president and vice president of the Black Student Union respectively, have been sending out daily emails featuring quotes and fun facts about notable people in Black history. The correspondences include scholar Carter G. Woodson, civil rights activist and scholar W.E.B. Du Bois, mathematician for NASA Katherine Johnson, and many more.  

How best to explore U.S. history and create an engaging learning atmosphere has been the question for Upper School history teacher Matthew Thomsen as he has worked diligently to redesign the current U.S. Honors History class.

While she couldn’t make it back under the pines for our special Class of 1998 re-shirting ceremony,  alumna Ekita Shaw was nonetheless happy to hear about this new tradition of commemorating the longevity of Alumni Lifers.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team competed against Christian Heritage School, Covenant of Sacred Heart, and Williams School in a dual-meet on Saturday, February 4.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team tipped off against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Masters School on Saturday, February 4, winning 77-65.

The interest of learning and passion for education remains steadfast for Class of 1998 alumnus and Lifer Scott Sheridan as he currently serves as the Lower and Middle School Educational Technology Integration Specialist at Westtown School, a K-12 boarding school in West Chester, Penn.

Playing with magnets is one of the earliest scientific discoveries children can unearth. Lower School science teacher Steve Jewett incorporated that “aha moment” into his classroom lesson as fifth-grade students have become immersed in the world of magnetism.

Playing with magnets is one of the earliest scientific discoveries children can unearth. Lower School science teacher Steve Jewett incorporated that “aha moment” into his classroom lesson as fifth-grade students have become immersed in the world of magnetism.

Classroom 35 on the third floor of the Whitson Building bustled with district and defense attorneys, character witnesses, reporters, jury members, and a judge as seventh-grade students brought author John Steinback’s book, Of Mice and Men, to life in a mock trial presentation.

January 22 marked the start of Lunar New Year, a multi-day celebration that signals the arrival of spring in many Asian cultures. From classroom activities and projects, to art shows and assemblies, all three divisions are taking part in celebrating and learning more about the holiday and its traditions.

January 22 marked the start of Lunar New Year, a multi-day celebration that signals the arrival of spring in many Asian cultures. From classroom activities and projects, to art shows and assemblies, all three divisions are taking part in celebrating and learning more about the holiday and its traditions.

January 22 marked the start of Lunar New Year, a multi-day celebration that signals the arrival of spring in many Asian cultures. From classroom activities and projects, to art shows and assemblies, all three divisions are taking part in celebrating and learning more about the holiday and its traditions.

Class of 1996 alumna Heather Kramer Giordano has been working as a nurse practitioner for a hematology/oncology practice affiliated with White Plains Hospital in White Plains, N.Y., for almost 10 years.

The power of giving back to those in need is deeply rooted in the Hamden Hall experience and Middle School students commenced the first installment of their annual community service project, Life is Delicious. The program provides  patrons at the Columbus House Overflow Shelter in New Haven with a hot meal and community connections. This year marks the first year the students hand- served the meal since 2020.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team welcomed Greenwich Country Day School and Dexter Southfield School to the Beckerman Athletic Center Natatorium for a tri-meet on Friday, January 20.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team took to the ice at the Ralph Walker Skating Rink against Kingswood-Oxford School in a league match on Friday, January 20.

In a call to action to serve others, Class of 2018 alumna Alexa Cornacchia has joined Nelson Ambulance in North Haven as an emergency medical technician.

Edward M. Shay, Class of 1977, died peacefully on January 11, 2023 after a long battle with brain cancer. 

Ted was born in the Morris Cove section of New Haven, and spent most of his childhood in Orange. At the time of his passing, he was living in Guilford with his wife, Sybil, and three children, Michael, Alexandra, and Teddy.

Ted went on to graduate from Providence College with a business degree. Having a need to be active, he became an electrician. 

Ted followed in his dad's footsteps and grew up playing hockey. He was a member of the Hamden Hall Hockey Teams where he formed a large group of life-long friends that stayed close. In 2018, Ted and his teammates were inducted into the Hamden Hall Sports Hall of Fame.


Hamden Hall extends sincere condolences to Ted's family and friends. To read Ted's obituary, please click here.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey team faced off against Fairchester Athletic Association League rival Greenwich Country Day School on Thursday, January 12, winning 4-3.

Sixth-graders got the chance to earn money and shop for gifts in a fun classroom activity called “Calandrelli Cash,” as led by and named after Grade 6 teacher Andrea Calandrelli. Besides being fun, the activity allowed students to hone their math skills.

The Boys’ Varsity Ice Hockey Team returned home to the Ralph Walker Skating Rink to compete against Fairfield Country Day School on Monday, January 9, winning 6-3.

Rear Admiral Clifford DeWolf of Litchfield, Arizona, died on April 13, 2019, and is buried in the National Cemetery in Washington, DC. Clifford is an alumnus of the Hamden Hall Class of 1946. He was married to the former Marcia Staub of Waterford, Conn., and they had five children.

Clifford, a native of New Haven, graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1950. He also attended Georgetown University where he earned a Juris Doctor Degree in 1957. Following his graduation from the Coast Guard Academy as an Ensign in 1950, he was subsequently promoted as follows: Lieutenant (junior grade) in 1952; Lieutenant in 1955; Lieutenant Commander in 1961; Commander on July 1, 1966; Captain on February 1, 1972. His date of rank as Rear Admiral began July 1, 1978. 

Cross-cultural festivities foster a sense of community, and students in the Jewish Student Union and Hispanic Student Union came together prior to the holiday break to celebrate and learn more about each other’s respective traditions and customs.

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team won its first game of the new year against Rocky Hill School of Rhode Island on Saturday, January 7, with a score of 51-48.

The Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team returned to the pool on Friday, January 7, to compete in a tri-meet against Masters School and Westover School.

Class of 2002 alumnus Josh Elliott won his reelection campaign to continue his work as the State Representative for the 88th District House in the Connecticut General Assembly. He was originally elected in 2016 and began serving in 2017 for the town of Hamden.

Class of 2016 alumnus Kyle Smith has announced his engagement to fiancé Victoria Veneziano.