"Cam, Linda, and Andrei are exceptional students and personify Hamden Hall’s Core Values of Excellence, Support, Participation, Accountability, and Respect. They immersed themselves in every facet of the school and excelled in all areas," said Mr. Izzo. "Furthermore, the entire class is so strong academically while also being recognized for their abilities and talents in the arts, athletics, and many other co-curriculars."

 

Cam has been part of the Hamden Hall community since ninth grade and is the younger brother of Class of 2023 alumnus Alex Puhl. Throughout the years, Cam has participated in the Chemistry and Biology Olympiads, the Math Team, the Concert Orchestra as a clarinet player and the Jazz Band as a tenor saxophone player, the Varsity Water Polo Team for one year, and the Co-ed Varsity Swimming and Diving Team for four years.

 

The Hamden Hall experience for Cam has been one of growth and learning as feelings of curiosity led to open doors and exploration of his interests. He credits Upper School Distinguished teacher Judy Bratt for her mentorship, encouragement, and role in making the calculus classes and its content engaging. He also shared his enjoyment of AP Chemistry with Upper School science teacher Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald and the opportunity to engage in research with the help of former teacher Dr. Frank Gasparro.

 

Cam will be continuing his educational pursuits at Yale University where plans to major in chemical engineering. It was through participation in science-based extracurriculars that he understood how chemistry can be applied to different areas including sustainable energy initiatives and medicine. He elaborated further that health engineering and the use of chemistry in the medical field to help others sparked his passion towards the subject matter. 

Linda entered Hamden Hall in ninth grade and has been active in various clubs and activities including Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Model U.N., Debate Team, Student Government, co-founder of the Mock Trial Club, and member of the Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team. It was her personal interest in law, policy, and understanding how culture and history shape the judicial process that motivated her to form the Mock Trial Club during the 2024-2025 academic year. Linda said she wants to continue to explore that area of study in the fall as she is leaning toward majoring in political science, economics, or data science. She is finalizing between a selection of competitive institutions including University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Vanderbilt University, and Amherst College to name a few.

 

Since his enrollment in sixth grade, Andrei has been actively involved with a myriad of clubs and activities including the Robotics Team, Computer Science Club, the Science, Innovation, & Design Program, Green and White, Peer Leadership, and serving as the Vice President of the Student Government.

 

Andrei has found his Hamden Hall experience to be both extremely valuable and memorable as he has been able to capitalize on his interest in math throughout his academic journey and has had many cherished moments. He found guidance through faculty mentors including former teacher Dr. Frank Gasparro, former history teacher Chase DuPont, and current Upper School math teachers Judy Bratt and Robert Link. Andrei plans to major in computer science and design at his school of choice which includes Northeastern University with a focus on a field called human-computer interaction . He said he finds it interesting as it’s an overlap of computer science and cognitive psychology.

Reflecting on their time under the pines, both Andrei and Linda share the same thoughts of enjoying being part of a school where students are encouraged to explore their interests and hobbies. Linda notes that one of the special traits of Hamden Hall is the diversity of people and being part of a community that shares in the understanding of cultural differences and perspectives. She elaborated that in class with Upper School history teacher Gary Aurora, he encourages everyone to form their own opinions and advocate for oneself while fellow Upper School history teacher and Mock Trial Club advisor Dr. Nuray Ibryamova offers a space of trust for her to lead the other members of the Mock Trial Club.

As the next chapter is on the horizon, Cam’s parting advice is to find enjoyment in class trips and activities, use the resources provided whether it is extra help, research opportunities, and/or joining clubs and activities. Most importantly, embrace the benefits of a small-knit community, talk to people, and learn from them. Andrei’s advice is to actively pursue your interests and take advantage of the summer months to get ahead. However, the most important thing, he said, is to make connections and have conversations as being a K-12 school offers ample opportunities to be a mentor. Linda recommended slowing down and finding what you enjoy through campus participation, while also cherishing the little moments.

The 114th Commencement Ceremony will take place Friday, June 5, at 10 a.m. in the courtyard with remarks from Cam, Andrei, and Linda along with Student Government President Ravindu Karunaratne.