Hamden Hall Graduates Largest Class in School's History

Hamden Hall Country Day School graduated its largest class to date during its 106th Commencement Exercises, as 88 seniors took to the stage to receive their diplomas.

Head of School Bob Izzo called them a special class, which was a common theme among the various speakers.

"Just remember that you will always be a part of Hamden Hall, and Hamden Hall will always be a part of you,” Mr. Izzo said.

Valedictorian Jinxin Pan spoke of his journey that brought him to study in the United States from his home in China. Upon entering Hamden Hall in Middle School, Jinxin, who will continue his education at Columbia University studying applied math, said he was exposed to opportunities and resources “beyond my previous imagination.”

“My experience may be less typical than that of many of my classmates, but we have all been encouraged to try new classes, sports, and activities as part of our time at Hamden Hall. With this experience, all of us can now make our own choices,” he said.

Salutatorian Miranda Iannone told her classmates that each one of them played an integral role in creating the character of the class – which she labeled as impactful to both the school, the local community, and the country.

“Although we may not realize it, every class, club, team, and artistic production at Hamden Hall has helped us fine-tune our self-identities and steer us towards our passions. While some of us have become part of a much larger movement, in the hope of making broad social changes, others have found creative ways to work at an interpersonal level,” she maintained.

Miranda, who will study human biology, health, and society at Cornell University, went on to cite several of her peers; including Shaun Hillis, Victoria Shemo, Maisa Della Valle, Abigail Malin, Jason Gill, and Kai Clemons – all of whom practiced service above self during their time at Hamden Hall both on and off campus.

Student Government President Michael Gulia and Class President Maisa Della Valle also offered welcoming remarks and class gifts.

Alumnus Dr. Robert W. Buckingham of the Class of 1962 told members of the Class of 2018 that he had flown 7,000 miles to “come home” to offer the Commencement address. He urged the graduates to consider putting other people first – something that he’s done as a leader in public health and higher education.

“I need this class to remember that success is measured by what we do for others. Please consider that in your lives,” said Dr. Buckingham, who is a professor of public health at the University of Michigan–Flint.

A true educator, Dr. Buckingham also offered 12 lessons to his pupils as learned by the cancer and AIDS patients he has come across in his work in hospice care. Dr. Buckingham was a founding father of hospice in North America and helped establish the first hospice in the United States. He has founded 81 hospice programs worldwide – including a hospice for children afflicted with HIV/AIDS in Thailand.

“Your destiny is bound by your dreams and hard work. By determination. Don’t let other people limit your dreams. Go out and make a difference and enjoy the adventure,” he said.

Click here to view highlights from Commencement 2018.