Twins take top honors in Sag Harbor

Jubilation and tears of pride marked Saturday’s graduation ceremony at Pierson High School in Sag Harbor as crowds of parents and well wishers gathered at Pierson Hill in to watch 63 seniors receive their diplomas.

Sag Harbor residents Bill Burford and Margaret Pulkingham had special reason to beam – their sons, Graham and Gabriel Burford, fraternal twins, were valedictorian and salutatorian.

“They’re both number one to me,” Pulkingham said. “I’m elated.”

And, added Burford, the secret to raising high-achieving children is simple: “Listen to them. Find out what their interests are and help them do that.”

Saturday’s commencement ceremony was marked by emotion: The principal’s award was given to graduate Nick Zappola, 17, who “overcame a lot of diversity relating to medical issues,” principal Jeff Nichols said.

But despite challenges, “he always looks at the bright side,” Nichols said. “He’s taught me a lot.”

Well-loved former elementary school principal Joan Frisicano, who retired after over 20 years in 2008, was chosen to give the commencement address.

Frisicano told students to “seize the moment,” and to “go for it,” whatever path they choose to proceed.

“Don’t accept the words ‘you can’t,’” she said. “We all make mistakes but it would be worse if you didn’t try. Big or small – do something good. Believe in yourself, and never give up.”

Highlights of the day included a ukelele performance by valedictorian Burford, and the eagerly awaited moment when, at the close of the ceremony, new graduates charged up Pierson Hill, a longstanding tradition, to toss their caps into the air.

Graduation, said proud mom Nicole Gilbride, whose son Tyler received his diploma, “is bittersweet – sad but exciting.”

Superintendent of Schools John Grotto said the group, which received thousands of dollars in awards and scholarships, was “very talented. They’re going to go places.”