Chelmsford resident gives farewell speech for Holy Cross

Chelmsford resident gives farewell speech for Holy Cross

Chelmsford native Kevin Hamilton delivered the valedictory address at the graduation ceremony for the class of 2024 from the College of the Holy Cross on May 24. (Courtesy of College of the Holy Cross)

WORCESTER — The College of the Holy Cross has selected Kevin Hamilton to deliver the valedictory address for the class of 2024 at its May 24 graduation ceremony.

Hamilton, a native of Chelmsford, is a double major in political science and Spanish with a concentration in peace and conflict studies. He is a member of both the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society and the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science National Honor Society, and a 2023-2024 Dana Scholar.

During his time at Holy Cross, Hamilton served in various roles within the Student Government Association, which he led as co-chair. In this role, he worked with student leaders, faculty, and administration to serve the student body.

Additionally, Hamilton was involved in the Gateways Orientation Program, first as an orientation leader in his sophomore year and later as a member of the Gateways Orientation staff, organizing and leading the summer, fall, and international student orientation programs.

Hamilton has served as a senior admissions fellow and tour guide in the Office of Admission, as vice president of the Residence Hall Association, and as a research associate in the Department of Political Science. He has also participated in spiritual life through the Office of the College Chaplains, including the Spring Break Immersion Program, where he traveled to Syracuse, New York, and Mobile, Alabama, to work with disability rights organizations.

In his junior year, Hamilton led the planning and execution of the National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference as student president. Held at Holy Cross in 2023, the conference welcomed 200 student leaders and student affairs professionals from 24 of the nation’s 28 Jesuit colleges and universities to the city of Worcester and the Central Massachusetts region.

Since joining the Worcester community, Hamilton has volunteered with Best Buddies and Working for Worcester, as well as the Worcester Refugee Assistance Project, in partnership with the university’s Student Programs for Urban Development program.

Hamilton serves on the board of trustees of the Chelmsford Public Library and plans to pursue a career in higher education, either in academia or administration, after graduating from Holy Cross.

Hamilton was selected as valedictorian from a group of academically outstanding members of the senior class, each of whom submitted a speech for consideration. The Valedictorian Selection Committee—composed of students from the senior class, faculty members, and administrators—reviewed the submissions, met with the students, and selected Hamilton from this exceptional group.