Speakers Urge Hall Graduates to Embrace Their Passions and Make a Difference

Published On: June 13, 2023Categories: Schools

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

The touching ceremony at West Hartford’s Hall High School included a tribute to a member of the Class of 2023 who died of brain cancer in April.

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

By Paul Palmer. Photos by Craig Rosenberg

The clouds cleared late Tuesday afternoon, leaving behind a bright blue sky and endless possibilities for the Class of 2023 at William Hall High School.

Generations of family members gathered with friends, teachers, and school staff to honor a class that began high school with COVID and emerged as the Titans.

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

“These past years are just a small part of your experiences,” Assistant Superintendent Andrew Morrow told the graduates. “They are not a defining point of who you are, and I hope it fades to a footnote in your future.”

A very special moment took place at the start of the ceremony honoring the nearly 400 graduates. Principal Dan Zittoun spoke of one senior who was not there to share in the moment. Jackie Hamad was a three-sport athlete, a member of the National Honor Society and according to Zittoun was an outstanding friend. Hamad was diagnosed last July and lost her battle with brain cancer in April – but despite her ongoing treatments, completed her course work to earn her diploma.

Hall Principal Dan Zittoun (left) gives Jackie Hamad’s diploma to her parents, Pamela and Michael. Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

“Her classmates commented about her wonderful smile, her kindness, and how she always put her heart into everything she did,” Zittoun told those on hand. The members of the class of 2023 and many of those gathered as Zittoun presented Hamad’s diploma to her father Michael, mother Pamela, and Jackie’s brother, Sam.

Ari Steinberg, the vice chair of the Board of Education and mother of a Hall senior, thanked the students for continuing to show up through the tough times. “You have found ways to cope with disappointment and losses that many adults did not have to face until later in life. I want to applaud you for your perseverance and determination to keep moving forward. You kept showing up, which is not only a testament to your resilience and grit but also speaks to your strength of character,” she told them.

Board of Education Vice Chair Ari Steinberg. Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Steinberg also encouraged the graduates to surround themselves with people who will not only support them but also challenge them, and to also remember to cut themselves some slack.

“When you’re finding yourself being critical or unforgiving to yourself, take a moment to change your messaging to something you might say to a friend who is struggling. Recognize that ‘your best’ might look different depending on the day – we are all human and some days will be tougher than others.”

The Hall Choraliers performed a rendition of “Homeward Bound,” and senior members of the ensemble lead the signing of the Hall High School Alma Mater.

Student speaker Marnie Fronczek. Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

In her role as the student speaker, Marnie Fronczek centered on a theme of life being  like living in an ocean and having to ride out the waves to reach a destination.

“Each of us has found a home at Hall,” she told her fellow classmates. “The connections we have made here are unlike any other.”

Faculty speaker Mark Corey. Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Mark Corey was selected as the faculty speaker by the students – an honor he said “was one of coolest, most rewarding moments I’ve experienced because of what I know to be true about this class.The class of 2023 is funny. This class has made me laugh pretty much every day I’ve been here because they’re witty, goofy, and aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves.”

Corey – a Hall graduate himself – praised the Class of 2023  for how they have gotten to this point in their lives. “This special group was forged and strengthened through adversity. They are a group who, as freshmen, had to navigate how to interact with new people in a new school.” Corey said. “And then they had to learn how to interact with those same people behind screens. And then they had to relearn how to interact with each other again in person. All while dealing with the everyday struggles of, you know, learning things, and finding acceptance being their authentic selves.”

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Corey told them that what sets Hall apart from other schools is a staff that cares about them and wants them to thrive and be happy. He told the grads that the next step for them was going to be different, and that through his own life experience, he knows that plans can change, but they should never give up on themselves.

“Whatever step you decide to take, do it with passion, conviction, and a smile on your face,” he told the students. “You all are ready. And no matter where you go, you will always have a community of people cheering on your successes, and ready to help you  back up when you inevitably fall on occasion. You are ready to find and pursue the things you’re passionate about, and you’re ready to keep making the world a better place. Take your next step: GO BE GREAT!”

Principal Dan Zittoun. Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

In his remarks, Zittoun told the members of the Class of 2023 that they had endured and persevered not only through COVID and its changes, but also, the everyday obstacles everyone faces. “You adapted to remote learning, overcame technological hurdles, and maintained your focus on academic excellence,” he said. “Your unwavering determination and ability to persevere through these difficult times are commendable and serve as a testament to your character.”

Zittoun also confessed to experimenting with using the Artificial Intelligence program ChatGP to write part of his speech, but added there is nothing artificial about the students of the Class of 2023. “You are genuine. You are natural. You are real,” he told them. “Continue to be genuine. Continue to be real. Continue to create experiences and feelings. Go create new communities and build onto your family. It is exciting and scary. It is both happy and sad. Most importantly, it is real and it is yours.”

Senior Derek Williams. Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Senior Derek Williams delivered the charge to the class and told them he was proud of them. And reminded them that when taking a trip, it takes longer to get somewhere than to return from it. “What I am simply saying is that whether you know what you are doing in life or not, you won’t always feel uncertain about who and what you are going to face. But the outcome will be amazing. Trust the process. Because if you rush it, you might miss something or someone that was beneficial for your growth.”

Assistant Superintendent Andy Morrow. Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

As they received their diplomas and the cheers from friends and family that went with them, Morrow’s words rang in the ears of the Class of 2023 as they prepared for their next steps.

“It’s okay to do something just because you love it,” he told them. “My challenge to you is to embrace a passion that you are mediocre at. If you love it, keep doing it and it will bring you happiness.

A complete list of the members of the Hall Class of 2023 can be found below the photos.

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall Principal Dan Zittoun (left) gives Jackie Hamad’s diploma to her parents, Pamela and Michael. Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Hall High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg

Whiting Lane alumni gather before their graduation on June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Stefanie Marco Lantz

Whiting Lane alumni gather before their graduation on June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Stefanie Marco Lantz

Norfeldt alumni gather before their graduation on June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Danielle Ivens

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Hall Class of 2023

Archie Maximo Agreda
Ahmed Haitham Ahmed
Yusur Ali Ibrahim Al Lami
Dylan Connor Albanese
Muzan Magdi Ali
Shahd Tagelsir Ali
Avery Kristopher Allen
Lucas Michael Almeida
Ibraheem Saleh Alsubai
Josephine Hayden Alter
Olivia Tori Anderson
Antonella Jenifer Aponte Tantavilca
Laitham Li Arias
Nathaniel Scott Aronson
Jalen Carmelo Artis
Leila Ixchel Asal
Matteo Louis Aubin
Joshua Daniel Azia
Aurora Bailey
Erick Santos Barbosa
Avery Rose Bard
Jack Maurice Barter
Katherine Margaret Bean
Jenna Marie Beaudoin
Jade Skye Beaulieu
Nitzan Ben Ari
Talya Michal Berger
Brigid Ann Bernoski
Jacob Samuel Bernstein
Harris Ari Berson
Spencer Tal Berson
Caroline Grace Bevins
Omar Mazhar Bhatti
Virginia Dawson Biondi
Alexandra Blake Birbara
James Phillip Birbara
Alexandros Antonio Bona
Blake William Bouley
Zenia Ruby Bracetty
Niya Lu Green Bramble
Valerie Hanna Brook
Kevin Alexander Brown
Marley Alexa Brown
Logan Burke
Sydney Burke
Kayla Elizabeth Cabrera
Ricardo Josue Cadena Ubillus
Leilani Marie Caez
Liana Corin Caez
Sofia Lynn Calabro
Ethan John Campbell
Jeremiah Ryan Cao
Sophie Grace Carey
Elizabeth Diane Carnemolla
Nicholas William Carr Carr
Emily Nicole Castro
Riley David Cedarfield
Sarah Chandler
Kenneth Caden Chow
Allison Nhung Chung
Stephanie Chung
Alejandro Clemente
Julian Harrison Cogan
Tanner Philip Cohane
Carter Jon Cohen
Caitlin Rae Colton
Owen Andrew Cooke
Seth John Cooke
Amanda Nicole Coronado
Sylvia Elyse Cosin
Nathan Bryant Cukierman
Anna Mae Culbert
Angelo Michael Culmo
Hailey Abigale Cyr
Corinne Sharon Daly
Shannon Mary-Katherine Daly
Jasmine Thuy Duyen Dang
Mikael Ninh Dang
Kyle Issei Danzi
Gabriel Pedro De Barros
Max Dylan Debin
Gabriel Antonio DeLaCruz
Sophia Donna DeLuca
Ethan James DelGrego
Alexia Gianna DeMattia
Emma Grace DeMichele
Bhajan Drew Deshpande
Padraig Terence Deveney
Margaret Ann Devlin
Christina Linde Di Pietro
Madison Saige Dias
Alan Sebastian Diaz
Eric Lee Diaz
Joshua Nathan Dinowitz
Justin Kyle Dinowitz
Guled Mohamed Dirir
Legend Hayashi Dortch
Isaac Rodrigues Dos Santos
Carly Ann Dulitsky
Colby Stuart Dupont
Daniela Mia Echevarria
Nikolai Edward Ellavsky
Evan Joseph Elmore
Catherine Jean Emerick
Katelynn Grace Emerson
Samantha Lauren Epstein
Genella Ritter Evans
Adam Richard Ezovski
Calleigh Elizabeth Faga
Colin Bruce Fairchild
Tyler James Fairchild
Yongzhe Fan
Davante Lee Ferris
Jackson Joseph Clemons Flood
Emily Anne Fluckiger
Lauren Holly Fluckiger
Gabriella Elizabeth Foster
Jacqueline Olivia Fox
Jordan Sarah Frankel
Alexandra Frances Fronczek
Marnie Elizabeth Fronczek
Elizabeth Erin Gadue
Ramses Ricardo Gaitan-Rivera
Angel David Garcia
Enderson Garcia
Gabriel Christian Garcia
Jonah Brian Genser
Benjamin Aaron Gerken
Jacob William Giangreco
Aphrodite Emmanuel Giarenakis
Fordham Brock Gillespie
Taylor Alexander Gilliffian Burke
Xander Matthias Gish
Noah Michael Glider
Hannah Grace Glisson
Mayalin Angela Glooch
Adam Godel
Samantha Lynn Golas
Colin Michael Goldschmidt
Samuel Ryan Goldsmith
Sydney Anne Goldsmith
Alexandra Lee Gombosh
Isabel Hale Grant
Andrew Daniel Greden
Jane Grove
Fatimah Habibi
Julianna Bernice Hagwood
Pamba Elizabeth Haikali
Lillian Rachel Haims-Almodovar
Hamza Said Haji-Ahmed
Jacqueline Blair Hamad
Bertine Irmelin Hansen
Kate Elyse Harker
Michael Gill Harrington
Katherine Riley Healy
Gwendolyn Luz Hegarty
Brandon Narido Hermes
Gabriela Hernandez
Miguel Agustin Herrera Morel
Jacob Thomas Herzog
Justin Michael Hill
Kevin Hoang
Hudson James Hollander
Lucy Mae Homer
Benjamin Johnston Hughes
Elizabeth Bradley Hughes
Ameerah Danielle HuieWhite
Tristan Matthew Hunt
Kayla Xavier Hunter
Areeb Syed Hussain
Najma Mohamed Ibrahim
Joshua Ross Isaacson
Rowan Danielle Ivens
Avi Mathew Jacobs
Patrick Brinch Jensen
Maximilian Frederic Jewett
Jadon Eli Johanson
Dynesty Atiyana Johnson
Phoebe Joy Johnston
Lucy Sable Kabakoff
Noah Benjamin Kallor
Grant Thomas Kanaga
Kendra Elizabeth Kane
Shannon Adair Kappes
Jordan Robert Kates
Caroline Elizabeth Keating
Oliver Tierney Kerrigan
Patrick Arthur Kinney
Zaineb Sallih Kona
Alexander Edward Kowalsky
Baylee Sylvia Krulewitz
Olivia Elizabeth Landino
Callie Sage Lantz
Quinn Floyd LaRock
Emily Marie Lemanski
Aiden Joseph Leonard
Alec Tran Levin
Dakota Ruby Lieberman-Dugan
Robert Lee Lindsey
Mahnoor Fatima Lodi
Rumsha Mariam Lodi
Zakaria Aasif Lodi
Caleb Jiale Lou
Samuel Michael Lumelsky
Katherine Elizabeth Lurie
Connor Ashcroft Lyons
Samuel Hayden MacGilpin
Michael Jihiem Mack
Salma Abdelsalam Hamdy Ahmed Makhlouf
Sondos Abdelsalam Hamdy Ahmed Makhlouf
Aeden Ren Mallett
James H-Lawler Malone
Katherine Grace Manaresi
Anthony Steven Mangini
Apurv Rajendra Manjrekar
Evan Dakota Market-Maestre
Jennifer Roslyn Marks
Astrid Alene Mattsson
Chase Matthew Maxwell
Lily Anne Maynard
William Aidan McCann
Clare Elizabeth McDaniel
Emily Ann McIntyre
Maxwell McLane
Kevin Melendez
Devin McCray Melick
Jessmarie Mendez
Sofia Maruja Mendoza Barcelona
Luis Rafael Mercado Feliciano
Timothy Jake Mielcarek
Maya Katherine Li Miller
Owen Michael Miller
Daina Mizuno
Elizabeth Paton Mohring
Daniel Robert Moleti
Juan Pablo Montoya
Ava Katherine Morgan
Carter William Morton
Cornelia Rose Mozingo
Alice Kinsley Murchie
Sophia Claire Murkette
Joshua Matthew Murphy
Sofia Ann Murphy
Meghan Rose Murray
Ameen Saleem Saad Nassir
Quinn Thomas Navin
Summer Rae Neiditz
John Harrigan Nelson
William Ni
Molly Beth Nordquist
Meredith Ann Norton
Uri Noyman
Jack Keane O’Brien
Addison Jane O’Connell
Shannon Rose O’Keefe
Nur Abbas Ahmed Obaid
Sophie Tzipora Ohad
Egypt Imani Oliver
Antonio Christopher Ortiz
Christopher Elijah Ortiz
Julian Miqueas Ortiz
Joshua Aaron Pagcaliwagan
Brendan O’Neill Panarella
Neil Dharmesh Pandya
Daniel Rafael Pasternak-Shmer
Jack Winter Pastor
William Lance Patchen
Benjamin Vincent Patnoe
Maya Rose Patt
Ava Paris Perrone
Chiara Maria Persano
Jason Peter Pervere
Marissa Anne Pervere
Blake William Peters
Lukas Daniel Peterson
Spencer Sterling Peterson
Laylah Cevan Pitt
Ryan Austin Plourde
Chloe Ada Polk
Xavier Garrett Prince
Lucas William Pyrro
Artemis Irene Raftopoulos
Carson Matthew Raisner
Dhurshanie Preya Ramlall
Paulinna De Jesus Recoder
Mollie Sherrill Reynolds
Alexander Leonard Rich
Guadalupe Javier Rodriguez
Jhoana Rodriguez
Hana Mary Elizabeth Roggendorf
Erin Grace Rogorzenski
Lilianne Marie Rojek
Kalani Marquise Roldan
Emma Rayne Romayko
Margaret Amber Rose
Mercedes Miranda Roussos
Jasper Cole Royce-Day
Caden George Rubeor
Sade Katherine Rueckert
Prince Daniel Rusweka
Clayton Harris Sack
Samuel Columbus Sadler
Parth Sampat
Emmanuelle Sanchez
Aaron Gruskin Sandler
Samuel Edward Sandler
Henry David Schlatter
Julia Elizabeth Seguro
Zaara Asif Shahzad
Marissa Amber Shell
Dorjee Dolma Sherpa
Olivia Beatrice Shuey
Ellie Victoria Shvayetsky
Eliana Hannah Simmons
Sanaa Amirah Singleton
Seth Edward Skuba
Hayden Mary Smith
Anthony Narine Sookhoo
Clara Yael Sorkin
Samuel Gideon Sorkin
Benjamin Alexander Spaeth
Matheson Rose Richardson Spillane
Evan Ross St. Amand
H’elena Grace St. Arromand
Adeline Charlotte Stanton
Alexander George Steinberg
Elliott Joshua Steinberg
Jared Gabriel Stevens
Caitlin Rebecca Striff-Cave
Ethan Conor Striff-Cave
Vincent Samuel Sullivan
Kellyann Patricia Taylor
Albin Shaji Thomas
Amelie Cunha Thomas
Jacob Ryan Thomas
Sophia Cunha Thomas
Tania Jade Thomas
Meghan Eileen Tiernan
Allison Amber Tofil
Peosamnang N. Touch
Loic Winfield Toutain
Rachel Ashley Townsend
Camille Cadeau Joanne Townswick
Chaya Trakhtenberg
Morgan Rose Trudeau
Josephine Rose Zhihui Udell
Tatyanna Areana Vance-Ralston
Madison McAllister Vargas
Leonel Vasquez-Cruz
Christopher Javier Vazquez
George Robert Verner
Chloe Marie Vlastos
Zana Lauren Walker
Jaelisse Aaleah Wallace
Rebekah Hope Walters
Julia Rose Watters
Josie Aline Wenner
Hunter Ethan Wiernasz
Derek Christopher Williams
Jaiden Michael Witherspoon
Joseph Thomas Witten
Gabrielle Elizabeth Wojdyl
Anne Elizabeth Una Woods
Ethen-Andrew Anwar Worrell
Katherine Grace Wright-Goodison
Emma Charlotte Wyatt
Ally Akemi Yamamoto
Jacob Yontef
David Woerner Youel
Amira Jama Abdulahi Yusuf
Mark Emmanuel Zadi
Jennifer Tang Zhao
Kyle Zhou Zheng
Jiani Zuo
Jesse Zuo
Ryan Henry Zydanowicz

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