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
81 Seniors Headline Commencement 2016
Hamden Hall’s 104th Commencement Exercises take place June 10 at 5 p.m. with Valedictorian Jessica Sun and Salutatorian Tyler Bunton at the helm for the Class of 2016, which comprises 81 students – 10 percent of whom are “Lifers” and eight the children of alumni, faculty, and trustee members.
The Commencement Address will be given by Hamden Hall parent Tariq Farid, whose three children attend the Lower School. Mr. Farid is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Edible Arrangements International. He launched the country’s first Edible Arrangements store in 1999 in East Haven; and since that time, has grown the company to more than 1,200 stores worldwide.
Head of School Bob Izzo noted that the academic achievements of the Class of 2016 are well-reflected in the college choices seniors had available to them this year.
“Once again we have seniors admitted and headed to some of the most selective schools in the country,” he said.
Mr. Izzo went on to tout the “outstanding” college counseling staff who worked with each student individually, as well as their families, to help find a college or university that was the best fit.
“In some cases, it was a small liberal arts college and in others it was a national university. The college process at Hamden Hall is always about what is best for the student,” he explained.
For the valedictorian and salutatorian, post Hamden Hall academics will take place in California. Jessica will attend the University of Southern California and study biochemistry while Tyler will head to Pomona College and major in international relations and English.
“I am very grateful to be honored as Hamden Hall's 2016 Salutatorian. Hamden Hall has provided me with many unique opportunities to pursue my interests in music, writing, and academics and I am deeply thankful for that,” said Tyler, who started his tenure at Hamden Hall in the seventh grade.
Jessica began her time under the pines as a sophomore.
"Hamden Hall is a supportive place, and everybody around me is willing to help me in every way that they can. With this in mind, it is hard for me to not try to do everything to perfection," she said.
Also presenting at Commencement 2016 will be Student Government President Shafton Haley, who will offer the welcoming speech, and Senior Class President Marco Fontana, who will present the class gift.
Other seniors who have alumni, faculty, and trustee affiliations include: Ginger Maley, whose father Andrew is a 1982 alumnus, Carl Porto, whose parents, Kimberly Gold Porto 1987 and Carl Porto 1986 are alumni (Kim is also a sixth-grade teacher at Hamden Hall); Kevin Johns, whose mother Kyle Ballou-Johns is a member of the Board of Trustees; Matthew Peel, whose father Michael Peel is a Hamden Hall Trustee; Marco Fontana, whose mother Christine Fontana serves as a trustee in her capacity as co-president of the Parents’ Association (father Joseph Fontana is the assistant athletic director); Elie Azoff-Slifstein, whose mother Caryn Azoff is the chair of the Arts Department; Alyssa Carroll, whose mother Lorri Carroll is the Director of the Lower School; and Philip Motter, whose mother Lisa Motter is the school’s learning support coordinator.
This year’s Lifers include Jack Ashford, Elie Azoff-Slifstein, Carolyn Consiglio, Michael DiMartino, Marco Fontana, Ronny LoRicco, Brandon Massey, and Kayla Stanley, all of whom were recognized during a special all-school Lifers' Shirting Assembly in February.
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.
