Hamden Hall’s 103rd Commencement Exercises take place June 12 at 5 p.m. with Valedictorian Josie Maynard and Salutatorian Isaac Justice at the helm for the Class of 2015, which comprises 68 students – 11 of whom are “lifers” and five the children of alumni, staff, and trustee members.

Josie, who is also a National Merit Scholarship finalist, began her tenure at Hamden Hall 14 years ago. Lower School teachers who had Josie in their classrooms noted that they weren’t surprised that she had earned the valedictorian distinction.

“Being valedictorian has been a goal of mine throughout high school, and I am extremely grateful that my hard work eventually paid off,” said Josie. “It is a huge honor to be able to speak to my classmates and the rest of the school community at graduation, for they are the ones who made my time at the school so special. I feel like this is the perfect culmination of all my years at Hamden Hall.”

Josie will continue her education at Williams College studying math.

Isaac, also a National Merit Scholarship finalist, began his time at Hamden Hall in the eighth grade. Many in the Hamden Hall community eagerly awaited his college decision when, among others, he was accepted at the United States Naval Academy as well as Stanford University. Isaac will continue his education at Stanford in the fall.

“I know without my peers to motivate me and Hamden Hall to support me and allow me to chase my passions that I would not be where I am today. I am grateful to be recognized for what I have achieved but I am more grateful for the community that allowed me to achieve it,” said Isaac.

As the Student Body President, senior Katherine Chi will offer the welcoming speech at commencement while Senior Class Co-President Doria Weiss will present the class gift.

Hamden Hall alumnus Jordan Hadelman will return to his alma mater to offer the commencement address. Jordan graduated from Hamden Hall in 1972 and went on to earn degrees at Georgetown University and George Washington University. In 1996, he was named chairman and CEO for Witt/Kieffer, a healthcare and higher education executive search firm, ultimately conducting more than 175 national CEO searches for leading hospitals and healthcare systems. Since his retirement several years ago, Jordan, who resides in Chicago with his wife, Debra, and two sons, has taken on leadership positions on the boards of two city schools that provide academic opportunities for inner city youths.

Jordan is also the uncle of Hamden Hall senior Samuel Hadelman. Other seniors who have alumni, faculty, staff, and trustee affiliations are Max Firtel, son of 1984 alumnus Douglas Firtel; Alex Vigliotti, son of 1984 alumnus John Vigliotti; Jay Moran, son of Hamden Hall Trustee Dr. Meena Moran; and faculty and staff children Andrew Flamm and Brian Longyear.

Senior lifers include Marilee Bodden, Mansell Carloni, Elijah Cordova, Austin DiMartino, Loren Dunn, Richard Haney, Sara Haney, John Marando, Josie Maynard, Jay Moran, and Kostas Sousoulas.
Head of School Bob Izzo noted that the academic achievements of the Class of 2015 were well-reflected in the college choices seniors had available to them this year.

“Once again we have seniors admitted to and headed to some of the most selective schools in the country,” he said.

Click here for a complete list of colleges that seniors have been admitted to and are attending.