As faculty and staff, trustees, family, and guests gathered in the main campus courtyard, the soon-to-be graduates walked down the aisle and were honored for their resilience and hard work throughout their time at Hamden Hall. Head of School Bob Izzo presided over the ceremony as he welcomed Student Government President Ravindu “Rav” Karunaratne to the stage for the welcome address.

“Our journey’s been a long way coming, but a new stage has begun, a stage where we can realize our place on Earth, change it for the better in any way we can, and bring happiness to those we love,” said Rav. “I know the lessons we’ve been taught won’t be erased, and that we will bring that spirit of kindness wherever we set foot. Together, let’s challenge the norms and illuminate new frontiers, and as members of humanity, let’s seize the now to realize our dreams and ensure a future where the next generation will feel the same joy seeing the sun rise over the horizon.”

Co-Salutatorian Linda Chen, who will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, took to the podium to thank all who have supported her journey as she advised her fellow graduates to look ahead to all life's choices and possibilities and never regret mistakes made as they are learning opportunities.

“Standing here today as I look into the rearview camera of my four years at Hamden Hall, I’ve realized that growth requires discomfort and mistakes,” said Linda. “Each mistake is a formative piece of who we are now and who we are about to become. My proposal to the Class of 2026 is to look back long enough to appreciate the people we’ve met and memories we’ve made, but to give ourselves enough grace to also move forward. To no longer make decisions based on what is most correct, but by the choice you’ll least regret.”

Co-Salutatorian Andrei Balas, who will be attending Northeastern University in the fall, spoke to his fellow graduates about what an honor it has been living, learning, and laughing amongst them and expressed his deepest gratitude for the faculty members who became role models. He likened his Hamden Hall journey to pieces of a puzzle and said solving it required community, learning, and mentorship.

“Through my time at Hamden Hall, I was able to assemble enough of my puzzle to begin to see its final shape, but I didn’t walk alone through this journey as I had the help of my peers, faculty, and most importantly, my mentors who shared advice and their passions," said Andrei. “I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful experiences you’ve given me. High school hasn’t just been about learning, it has been about self-discovery, about finding mentors, about gaining confidence, and about forging bonds.  As a new journey begins, we walk into higher education with more confidence and a greater understanding of who we are and how we fit into this big world of ours. I wish for you to find your mentors, build your career, discover your calling, and meet your people. Above all else, I hope that you continue to search for and find the missing pieces of your own puzzle.”

Senior Class Co-Presidents Raquel Figuera Crespo and Alma Goren-Eisenberg took the podium to present the senior class presentation awards. The Class honored junior/rising senior Mia Verderame, Upper School English teacher Mairead Duffy, and Public Safety Officer Bob Simpson.

Valedictorian Cameron “Cam” Puhl,  who will be attending Yale University this fall, remarked how Hamden Hall has been more than a place to learn, it is a community that supports and stands by one another. He elaborated on the importance of embracing the moment, showing up for your community, and leading without permission.

“Over the past four years, I’ve watched our class show willingness to contribute and collaborate in all kinds of places,” said Cam. “Our graduating class has clear ambitions and serious goals that are worth pursuing and there’s no question that we are heading towards exciting paths. However, there’s a version of ambition that can cause us to overlook the value of what’s right in front of us while we wait for an opportunity that feels more consequential. Some of the most meaningful contributions we make are not those that come with recognition, but the ones that meet the needs of the moment. As we head to new places where our roles may be less defined, I hope you’ll carry forward that instinct: to lead even when it’s not asked of you. Leadership is not something we wait for permission to do - continue to search for opportunities to lead in the new communities you enter.”

Class of 1972 alumnus and Board of Trustees Secretary Jordan Hadelman took to the stage to introduce the 2026 Commencement Speaker - Hartford Healthcare President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey A. Flaks. Mr. Flaks spoke to the graduates about how life is not linear; he said it unfolds and building a meaningful life takes curiosity, resilience, and effort. Most importantly, he emphasized how the belief in oneself has the power to change life’s trajectory.

“You don’t need someone to give you permission. You don’t need to be special to be a success. You have to be relentless. You have to be consistent. You have to have conviction - and believe in yourself,” said Mr. Flaks. “I want every one of you to hear that question today. Why not you? You can be the next great entrepreneur, scientist, teacher, physician, filmmaker, public servant, artist, innovator, or leader. That is not arrogance. That is a possibility. And possibility changes everything.”

Furthermore, Mr. Flaks encouraged students to say “yes” to every opportunity and never underestimate how one unexpected opportunity can open a different door and alter the direction of life.

“One of the things I admire about Hamden Hall is that this community encourages students not just to achieve — but to engage. To participate. That matters. You do not have to be perfect to make a difference, lean in and say yes. The world does not belong to spectators. It belongs to people willing to step forward. People willing to raise their hand. People are willing to try and to fail. People willing to get back up. I believe your generation understands something powerful: That purpose matters. That community matters. That mental health matters. That kindness matters. That integrity matters. Hold onto those things. Congratulations, Hamden Hall Class of 2026. Your future is waiting. Go build something extraordinary,” he said.

The members of the Class of 2026 are heading to the finest and most competitive academic institutions where they will be pursuing their academic pursuits with 14 students committed to playing college sports across all divisions. The class has seven Lifers: Tami Afolalu, Noah Bush, Anya Carter, Cole Christman, Leon Jiang, April Schwartz, and Andrew Yang. Tami is the daughter of Board of Trustees member Dr. Bayo Afolalu and graduate Liam Earle is the son of Board of Trustees member Dan Earle. Caden Christopher, Amato Civitello, and Andrew Yang are children of faculty/staff members as Reilly Chernovetz and Jack Cucchiarelli are the children of athletic coaches. Cole Christman is the son of Middle School Director Brian Christman. Julia Sachs is the daughter of 1984 alumnus James Sachs, and Jason Tirozzi is the son of 1981 alumnus Jeffrey Tirozzi.