Valedictorian and Salutatorian Named for Class of 2022

Following years of academic success, Lucy Xu and Yanmi "Mia" Yu are the Class of 2022 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.

Lucy has committed to Harvard University (after having to decide among Harvard, Yale, and MIT) and plans to major in biochemistry. She’s been under the pines since third grade and has been involved in dozens of clubs and activities. Some of those undertakings include the Math Team, Middle School Advocates, Red Cross Club, Student Government, to name a few.

“Hamden Hall has allowed me to do everything and anything that I had a keen interest in,” commented Lucy. “Being part of a close-knit and supportive community has given me the chance to grow and find my passions. I will take everything my teachers have taught me to Harvard and beyond.”

Lucy’s passion for science, and more specifically chemistry, stems from her classroom experiences with Dr. Frank Gasparro. Under his guidance, Lucy said she works in the on-campus research labs as part of the ongoing Photobiology Research Program and will continue finalizing her research as part of her senior May project.

Mia will attend Rice University in Houston, Texas, in the fall, double majoring in STEM and gender studies. She has been under the pines since eighth grade and involved with the theater program, FACES, Green and White, Debate Team, and more.

The Hamden Hall experience for Mia has been one full of fond memories and meaningful friendships. She noted that the school “offers an inclusive and open community that no matter what club or activity you are part of you always feel welcome.”

Mia said she appreciates having the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone in a safe space. She added that creative writing classes and being a member of the Poetry Club have helped her gain confidence and find her voice through writing.

Both Lucy and Mia are enthusiastic about taking the next step, but admit they will miss our Hamden Hall community. Lucy noted that the people she met along the way, specifically teachers and classmates, will forever be part of her core memories of Hamden Hall while Mia said she will praise her time here in all her future endeavors.

Commencement will take place on Friday, June 10, at the Beckerman Athletic Center. The 91 members of the Class of 2022 are headed to the finest and most competitive academic institutions in the fall. There are five Lifers graduating with Henry Cort, Olivia McNamara, Ashley Sapiente, Ava Vingiano, and Kate Xie. Additionally, a select group of student-athletes will play college-level sports at their respective schools.