Hamden High Mints New Alumni

The skies grew increasingly threatening but nothing could put a damper on the spirits of the 450 Hamden High School students who became alumni Thursday night.

It was a bittersweet day for many as one chapter closed and another one opened.

"What we didn't know that first day we entered freshman year is that Hamden High offers a place for everyone," said class president Christian Coassin. "You could look into every single classroom and see someone like yourself."

The experiences they shared at Hamden High School are "no doubt the best of our lives," he said, and he encouraged them to continue to work with others to make their lives the best they can be.

"The foundation of tolerance and support that we built at Hamden High School can be built again on a much larger scale we can be the generation that puts an end to the schisms that have plagued our society," he said.

"We are leaving a place that has molded us into the people we are today," he said. "I am incredibly proud to be part of such a community of great accomplished students. Each of us possesses the tools to have an impact in this world. I look forward to what we will do in the future."

"After the years we have spent together, it's a terrifying challenge to say goodbye — to empty four years of memories from our lockers, to see those we met in elementary school for the last time," said Salutatorian Yaffa Fain. "To take our seats today with our hearts filled with ambition and hopefulness.

"It is a terrifying challenge but we are ready," she said.

"As much as I looked forward to this day, I must admit that I don't like endings," said  Class Valedictorian Andrew Klimaszewski. "Sadly our high school experience is coming to its inevitable end.

What they learned was more than the information in a textbook, he said.

We learned that no one has all the answers and there is no clear path to success," he said. "We learned from our mistakes — the serious ones and the silly ones, we learned that this too shall pass.

"Today we must say goodbye to everything that is familiar and that is comfortable to us," he said. But, he said, that doesn't mean they will forget.

Board of Education Chairman John Keegan gave a shout out to the families of the students.
"It is your support of these young people that make this day so special," he said. Your support, your guidance, your assistance has been essential to the success of these children."

He also sent out kudos to the students.

"What an awesome day. This is your community, this is your town. Go find your place, go find your passions, go find your dreams ," he said, "and hopefully that passion will bring some of you back to Hamden. I hope so. Give back to the community that has given so much to you."

I am so proud of each and every one of you and I share your happiness this evening," said Supt. of Schools Fran Rabinowitz. "Your time to leave Hamden High School has arrived and a chapter in your lives is about to close. I hope we have provided you with the important lifelong skills to set you on a path to a bright future."

"Have more friends in real life than on Facebook," advised Mayor Scott Jackson. "Talk to people, be part of things, do it in real life not and on the computer."