Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Commencement 2017: Impressive Graduating Class and Keynote Speaker
Hamden Hall’s 105th Commencement Exercises take place June 9 at 5 p.m. with Valedictorian Eylul Akman and Salutatorian Lauryn Aliwalas at the helm for the Class of 2017, which comprises 71 students.
The Commencement Address will be given by beloved former administrator and past parent Andrew Niblock, whom many of the seniors recall from his days under the pines when he served as Hamden Hall’s Director of Lower School. Mr. Niblock is currently the Head of Lower School at Greenwich Country Day School.
“The most important criteria I use in determining who to ask is to make sure the individual reflects the school’s core values of excellence, support, participation, accountability, and respect,” maintained Head of School Bob Izzo. “I can think of no person who better reflects our core values than Andrew Niblock. Moreover, Andrew has made a significant contribution to the academic community.”
Mr. Izzo also noted that the Class of 2017 is an impressive one collectively, with regard to all they’ve achieved in the classroom, on the stage, and on the field of play. Seniors’ college admittance and acceptance is also reflective of those credentials.
“Once again we have seniors admitted to and headed to some of the most selective schools in the country,” he said.
For the valedictorian and salutatorian, post Hamden Hall academics will take place in Massachusetts. Eylul will attend Tufts University and Lauryn will head to Smith College, where she is “leaning” towards studying physics and/or biology.
“I'm excited to celebrate the end of our high school careers with friends and family,” Lauryn said.
Also presenting at Commencement 2017 will be Student Government President Luke Wilcox, who will offer the welcoming speech, and Senior Class President Anthony Maisano, who will present the class gift.
Other seniors who have alumni, faculty, and trustee affiliations include: Shana Bellamy, whose mother, Danica Kelly is a 1989 alumna; Alana Kuselias, whose father, Chris, is a 1980 alumnus; Corey Millhouse, whose stepmother is Dr. Denisa Lujic Millhouse, Class of 1987, and whose grandmother, Joyce Lujic, is Board President; Spencer Sapiente, whose father, Joseph Sapiente, is a member of the Board of Trustees; and Sofia Sabatelli and Liana Valin, both of whom are children of faculty and staff respectively.
This year’s Lifers include Gabriella LoRicco, Elliot Markman, Sydnee Peterson, and Hadia Wazaz, all of whom were recognized during a special all-school Lifers' Shirting Assembly in February.
Seven seniors will be playing college sports at the DI and DIII levels, including Miles Cogdell, Brandon DiCicco, Daniel Draffan, Cameron Kranich, Corey Millhouse, Sofia Sabatelli, and Melvin Wells.
Hamden Hall Country Day School
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
About Us
Hamden Hall Country Day School is a nurturing and inclusive community with a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
