Twins 2nd, 3rd in Patchogue-Medford senior class

Friendly competition is a great motivator -- just ask fraternal twins Kyle and Brianna Archard, 18, of Patchogue.

The pair was ranked second and third, respectively, in the 624-person graduating class at Patchogue-Medford High School, which held its commencement Saturday. Kyle earned a GPA of 100.6, while his sister had a GPA of 99.8.

“We always compete against each other and try to get better grades than one another,” said Kyle.

Referencing rapper Eminem, Kyle captured the audience with his salutatorian speech.

“If you had one shot, one moment, would you let it go, or would you grab it? This is your moment, Class of 2011,” he said.

Kyle and Brianna are both members of the National Honor Society and the academic team. They will both attend SUNY Binghamton in the fall, where Kyle will major in business and Brianna will major in psychology.

Their mom, Joan Archard, is thrilled with her children’s desire to succeed.

“I am extremely proud of them,” she said. “They have always impressed me, whether it’s through their volunteering, doing their homework or choosing the right friends.”