We've Got the Spirit! HOCO and Reunion 2017 Buzz with Hornets Old and New

Reunion and Homecoming 2017 – or HOCO 2017 as students referred to it – saw hundreds of alumni return to their alma mater and nearly 1,000 families, friends, and visitors descend upon the Skiff Street Athletic Complex to enjoy myriad activities, sporting contests, and overall Hornet camaraderie.

Both campuses buzzed with energy Friday and Saturday as students enjoyed Homecoming activities and the conclusion of “Spirit Week,” during which they had dressed according to various theme days. Also on Friday, each level had its own Homecoming pep rallies and assemblies, including the annual Middle School Advocate Fashion Show.

Upper Schoolers traded in the Taylor Performing Arts Center for Taylor Gym and embarked on a new tradition – a live rendition of the board game Hungry Hungry Hippos! Teams competed to see who could collect the highest number of tennis balls from the center of the gym. Students maneuvered about on oversized scooters as their teammates pushed and pulled the vehicles via ropes.

Meanwhile, in a less-frenzied atmosphere, alumni from the 50-year Milestone Class of 1962 as well as other reunion classes including 1947, 1952, 1957, and 1967 converged on Swain Library for a luncheon followed by a lifelong learning discussion. Dr. Robert “Bucky” Buckingham, Class of 1962, kicked off the discussion based on his most recent book, Understanding Loss and Grief for Women: A New Perspective on Their Pain and Healing. Bucky co-authored the book, which is his 12th literary offering.

Bucky noted that returning to campus reminded him of the core values that were instilled in him during his time under the pines. He challenged his fellow alums by asking, “Did we go forth and execute the core values of Hamden Hall?”

On Saturday morning, alumni from an even greater span of time (1957 through 2012) congregated in Swain Library for more reunion festivities followed by a tour of campus. Meanwhile, out at the Skiff Street Athletic Complex, Lower School families enjoyed a fall festival replete with games, crafts, a hayride, open swim, and a magic show. Students also participated in a .5 mile fun run.

Hornet varsity victories were scored by Girls’ Soccer, Girls’ Field Hockey, and Girls’ Volleyball. Members of the Boys' Cross Country Team set personal records on the home course, according to Coach Patricia Dowcett. In the evening, Hamden Hall’s championship Varsity Football Team remained undefeated as it took down #2 ranked King School. Prior to the game, attendees received Hamden Hall football T-shirts and were able to participate in a free raffle – all courtesy of Coach Linta!

To cap off the weekend, 175 Upper School students poured into the Beckerman Athletic Center Saturday evening for an all-night “lock-in” celebration. Rumor has it that they were jarred awake by an air horn Sunday morning as operated by chaperone John (Fab) Fabrizio.