The Recognition of High Achievement at Honor Roll Dinner

Honor Roll designation is awarded to any student with a weighted average of 89 or above at the end of the academic year. Head of School Bob Izzo addressed the students and their families before presenting the certificates with the help of Upper School Director Kim Porto 1987, Director of Admissions Janet Izzo, and Academic Dean Justine Fellows.

“As you move forward in your academic career, into adulthood and a career, I encourage you to continue to build on the success you’re having that earned you an invitation to tonight’s dinner,” said Mr. Izzo. “Display strong character, be true to yourself, act with integrity, be open to other viewpoints, and practice Intellectual humility. I commend you for making the Honor Roll. You worked hard and are academically talented - we are proud of you. I am confident that if you put the work in you will continue to find success."

 

The evening also welcomed the newest inductees from the senior class into the Hamden Hall chapter of the Cum Laude Society. Cum Laude is the highest academic distinction that recognizes scholastic excellence and high achievement during high school. Andrei Balas, Linda Chen, Caden Christoper, Alma Goren-Eisenberg, Alex Pu, Cameron Puhl, Nico Razza-Baril, Charles Sudmyer, Robin Weiss, and Andrew Yang were the 10 seniors bestowed with this honor and sworn in by Distinguished teacher Judy Bratt and president and secretary of Hamden Hall’s Chapter of the Cum Laude Society Yasmin Haque. 

 

Inductees Andrei Balas, Linda Chen, and Cameron Puhl offered remarks during the ceremony. Andrei opened his speech welcoming all guests and thanking his parents for their unwavering support along with all teachers for their relentless passion towards education and their mentorship. He spoke on the topic of freedom, the choices it allows, and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and to immerse yourself in a variety of perspectives, each of which will provide you with a more nuanced view of the world. He shared anecdotes about his high school journey, AP classes, participation in Peer Leadership and the Robotics Team before concluding with a message about exploration and adaptation.

 

“Explore, be curious, be bold, so that you can find the things that keep you in balance,” he remarked. “But you also have to learn to adapt. I realized that what matters most isn’t perfection, but the pursuit of excellence and doggedly staying on task. What matters is that you love what you do and you give it your all. And while you do that, please don't forget to be kind to yourself and to everybody around you.”

 

Linda took the moment to share a congratulatory message to all fellow students for their work, perseverance, and grit in earning the honor roll title and Hamden Hall teachers for their incredible support. She spent time in reflection and in gratitude for the opportunities awarded through Hamden Hall. Through the years, she joined various clubs and organizations, which allowed her to discover herself and her passions.

 

“My discovery would definitely not have been possible if I was scared to push myself out of my comfort zone,” said Linda. “So, if you ever had an itch to do something, whether that is to say that wacky and probably incorrect idea in your English class, try out a new club, or talk to that one person, I encourage you to act on that itch. There is no better time to take risks than the present.”

 

Cameron reflected on his journey through Hamden Hall, which included welcoming the uncertainty and trying new things such as joining the jazz band. He elaborated on how the unfamiliarity and intimidation turned into freedom as being unsure can be the best place to start given that curiosity thrives in uncertainty.

 

“Curiosity, not certainty, is what guides us forward and drives growth. Embrace uncertainty, and see where it leads,” said Cameron. “If something sparks your curiosity, it’s worth pursuing, even if it doesn’t align neatly with your future goals. If you’re unsure of what’s next, perfect. Use that space to explore widely and see what draws your interest. If you already have a plan in mind, don’t be afraid to take detours and wander in unexpected directions.”

 

In addition to the Cum Laude inductees, 81 students including 35 from the Class of 2025 were recognized as either an AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, or AP Scholar with Distinction. Each fall, the AP program “recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP exams.”

 

Mr. Izzo also introduced the 13 students who are being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program with 10 Commended students and 3 Semi-Finalists being named.