Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Announced

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. 

 

Charlie entered Hamden Hall in ninth-grade and has been active in various clubs and activities including Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Model UN, and Concert Band where he plays the alto saxophone. He also serves as the president of the Environmental Club.

 

“Hamden Hall is not only a learning and welcoming community, but a close-knit one,” said Charlie. “Everyone supports one another and the teachers really get to know you and encourage you to learn both inside the classroom and out. Over the last four years, I’ve learned that anything is possible.”

 

This fall, Charlie will be attending Brown University where he plans to major in geoscience and public policy. He noted that while he is excited to take the next step in his academic career, he will miss the small class sizes and walking the hallways with his friends. He credits faculty member Chase duPont 2002 and Director of Upper School Kim Porto for being great mentors and encouraging him throughout his time under the pines.

 

Kamini will be attending Yale University this fall where she plans to double major in English and philosophy. Since her enrollment at Hamden Hall in seventh-grade, Kamini has been an active member of Asian Student Union, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, 1912, the literary magazine FACES, and theater and performing arts. 

 

Kamini credits English Department Chair and faculty member Paul Gustafson for helping her hone her writing skills and creating a safe classroom environment for open dialogue. Furthermore, she said her Hamden Hall experience has been one of fond memories and learning experiences.

 

“Some of my favorite memories come from attending club meetings. Connecting with other students and being able to have meaningful discourse allowed me to not only learn about myself, but learn about my fellow classmates to form close connections. It really is such a close community here and whenever you need something, there is always someone to help you or guide you.”

 

The 111th Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m. in the courtyard with remarks from both Charlie and Kamini along with Student Government President Chris Reiter and keynote speaker Senator Chris Murphy.