Sixth-Graders Say Goodbye to Lower School

Dressed in their spring best, 36 sixth-grade students said a bittersweet farewell to their Lower School journey as they celebrated a graduation ceremony in front of parents, families, and faculty hosted in the Taylor Performing Arts Center.

In keeping with the Hamden Hall tradition, the students performed the school song before gathering together on the stage to perform the song Big New World from their spring musical production of Finding Nemo, Kids. The students adapted new lyrics highlighting memories from the year to make the performance even more special.

Lower School Director Lorri Carroll took the podium to address the soon-to-be graduates noting how they have reached an important milestone in their academic journey and a new world of possibilities awaits them as they enter into Middle School.

“It has been a sincere privilege to watch you all grow and learn over the last six years, and your ability to create a welcoming environment for new and returning students should be celebrated,” said Mrs. Carroll. “You have become an impressive, talented group of artists, musicians, coders, scientists, mathematicians, and so much more. You have embraced everything with patience and I could not be more proud.”

Mrs. Carroll remarked how the students joyfully embraced becoming role models to their PreSchool/PreKindergarten buddies, supported each other through the big and small moments throughout the year, and excitedly welcomed new challenges including zip lining and sleeping in a cabin during the class camping trip. She left the students with a few words of advice before the distribution of the diplomas.

“Always keep a positive attitude and just keep swimming,” she said in reference to the sixth-grade musical.  “The journey ahead will be filled with adventures.”

At that point, the students - all smiles! - stood and walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from Head of School Bob Izzo. As the final student returned to their seat, Mr. Izzo offered congratulatory remarks.

“Rising seventh-graders, congratulations and we could not be more proud of you,” he said. “You have done a terrific job in creating a sense of community and belonging to those in the Hamden Hall community. You have left a mark on the Lower School community, and all your positive contributions will be celebrated here and beyond. As you move on to Middle School, you will be challenged academically, but you are ready. I encourage you to get involved in all that Hamden Hall offers. I congratulate you, Class of 2030.”

Mr. Izzo took a moment to recognize and honor Grade 6 teachers Andrea Calandrelli, Beth Hunter, and Patrick Yeoman for their hard work during the year. He also honored specialist teachers and other Lower School faculty members.

The ceremony concluded with a special gift to the graduates created by Mrs. Carroll – a special slideshow presentation full of pictures throughout the years.