Diplomas Distributed During 104th Commencement

Graduates of the Class of 2016 were advised that it’s the little things that make them unique and that every embarrassing moment helps make them a better person with an interesting story to tell.

“We should also celebrate the mistakes and the blunders that we will make down the road that help us get there and make our stories worth telling,” said Salutatorian Tyler Bunton.

Minutes later Valedictorian Jessica Sun used Chinese sayings and stories to relay her message that despite the fact that a “great majority of things in our life are canny, ordinary,” there are always reasons to believe that no one is less outstanding than anyone else.

“Try to accept, love, and be proud of the ‘normal you,’ because you are the limited edition, you are valuable, and you are anything but normal,” she told her classmates.

Both Tyler and Jessica, who will attend Pomona College and the University of Southern California respectively, were among the 81 graduates who took to the stage to receive their diplomas during Hamden Hall’s 104th Commencement Exercises.

Parents were told by Student Government President Shafton Haley that their sons or daughters were the “trophies” of their hard work.

“Soon we’ll be able to provide for you,” he maintained amid a round of applause and appreciation.

Commencement speaker Tariq Farid credited his own parents and family for much of his success as the founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements International. He told students that his mother used to make him help neighbors at a young age – whether it be shoveling snow or raking leaves.

“By the time I was 13, I was told by a neighbor that if I kept working this hard I would be a millionaire by age 35,” Mr. Farid explained, adding that Edible Arrangements with its 1,200 stores worldwide now does $600 million in sales a year.

“My journey was possible because of the generosity of others and someone believing in you,” he said.

Lastly, Mr. Farid advised graduates to “sit in the shadow” of their grandparents, if possible, in order to learn from them.

“They have wisdom,” he said. “Your learning is not stopping today.”

Just prior to the presentation of diplomas, senior Brandon Massey was called to stage in order to present his father, Robert Massey Jr., with a special award.

“Bob has contributed his wisdom, work, and treasure at Hamden Hall,” said Head of School Bob Izzo of the service award.

The Class of 2016 included eight Lifers, two children of alumni, three children of Board of Trustee members, and five children of faculty members. Mr. Izzo also announced as part of his remarks that nine students had become members of the Cum Laude Society.

Click here to view a slideshow of Hamden Hall's 104th Commencement Exercises.