It Starts with the Right Attitude - Class of 2024 Encouraged to Set Standards

Loud roaring cheers and the processional music of Pomp and Circumstance resonated through the main campus courtyard as the 88 seniors from the Class of 2024 dressed in white cap and gowns received their diplomas in celebration of the 112th Annual Commencement Exercises last Friday.

With faculty and staff, family, and friends in the audience, the soon-to-be-graduates were honored for their perseverance and hard work throughout their time under the pines. Head of School Bob Izzo presided over the ceremony as he welcomed Senior Student Government President Eric He to the stage for the welcome address.

“Today is truly life-changing as I think back to wondering what senior year would be like, and I can say the Class of 2024 is filled with resilient and passionate students as we grew closer following our Senior Sunrise experience,” noted Eric who will be attending Wesleyan University in the fall. “Most notably, Hamden Hall has positioned me to success in life through the helping hands of our teachers. As we move forward, make the best of life and celebrate the positive experiences.”

Co-Valedictorian Joy Zhuo, who will be attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall, reflected on the pivotal moments that shaped her Hamden Hall experience and the importance of community.

“As I stand here with the honor of representing our class, I am extremely proud of the challenges we have conquered and the triumphs we have achieved over the past four years,” she said. “The tight-knot bond between people at Hamden Hall is what makes this community special and allows each of us to grow in our unique ways. Facing the countless possibilities the world offers, some of us might feel uncertain, and that is ok. As I grew up, my dream evolved into something else: going to America. I traveled thousands of miles and landed in Hamden, receiving welcome, care, and education from my host country, city, and school. The hard work, trial, and error, perseverance, but also the rewards, the fun, and the laughter brought me on a path that I would have never imagined.  Let’s ride the waves and embrace the opportunities.”

Senior Class Representative Elizabeth O’Hern took to the podium to present the senior class presentation awards, which honored junior Delilah Hodge, Upper School history teacher and Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Coach Gary Aurora, and Administrative Assistant to the Middle and Upper School, Susan Pavano.

Fellow Co-Valedictorian Evan Heath, who will be attending Brown University in the fall, explained the beauty of goodbyes and how endings do not need to be sad, but held in high regard.

“As we leave this place, and these people, and this part of our lives, and say the many goodbyes that await us, I urge you to remember what you mean when you speak that word,” he said. “You mean that though you are ready to move forward, you will miss what you leave behind because you know its value. We will leave understanding the worth of everything we experienced here – the worth of all of the friends made, the worth of all the memories created. Goodbyes are a recognition of worth.”

The 2024 Commencement Speaker was entrepreneur and former Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach David Beckerman. Mr. Beckerman has a long-standing relationship with Hamden Hall and throughout his speech he emphasized the importance of standards and how everything starts with the right attitude.

“It’s a matter of standards as standards are the foundation of an individual or of a team and the reflection of what one believes in and a process necessary to achieve success,” said Mr. Beckerman. “Everything starts with a good attitude as success is a peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to be the best you are capable of.”

Mr. Beckerman encouraged students to step outside of themselves and be part of something bigger.  His final remark included a few wise pieces of advice that would serve the graduates well as they navigate the future.

“Remember to listen and listen closely to what others need, listen to the right people, be quick to listen and slow to speak and when you speak, it should have value and purpose,” said Mr. Beckerman. “Make the right decisions for the right reasons and contribute positively anyway you can. Take initiative and look for what needs to be done and do it. Do what you say you are going to do because in the end, it is a matter of standards and not rules of goals.”

In the fall, the members of the Class of 2024 are heading to the finest and most competitive academic institutions where they will be pursuing their academic and athletic dreams. Senior Jake Cacace has committed to the Army ROTC program at the University of Connecticut, Casey Armstrong, Ethan Berman, Jake Cacace, Will Christman, Nico Ciccone, and Margart Gustafson were the six Senior Lifers. Will, Margaret along with seniors Isabella Aldo, Alexa Bettencourt, Brady Chernovetz, and Lilyana Joseph are children of faculty members and Varsity athletic coaches. Isabella is also the daughter of 1992 alumnus Arthur Aldo and Rachel Danishevsky is the daughter of 1993 alumnus Michael Danishevsky and his wife Nicole Danishevsky. Additionally, dozens of student-athletes will be competing in collegiate athletics across all divisions. 

“You received a world-class education from world class faculty,” said Mr. Izzo. “You have been challenged academically by teachers and have the foundation necessary to succeed in all areas. Congratulations to the Class of 2024; you will always be part of the Hamden Hall family.”