PIERSON: Giuliani Addresses Graduates

Rudolph Giuliani, a former mayor of New York City who bought a house in Water Mill in January, told the class of 2005 at Pierson High School that graduating is no small feat, and that they should be proud of the accomplishment. "Not everybody graduates," he reminded the class of 58 on Saturday evening.

A student, Alessandra Novak, was responsible for convincing Mr. Giuliani to speak at the ceremony. "I wanted a big wow to end the year," she said.

And a "wow" is what Ms. Novak got, though it took persistence and persuasion. When she met Mr. Giuliani, by chance, at Barrister's restaurant in December, she made her pitch for the first time. "I told her, 'I'll think it about it'," Mr. Giuliani said during his speech. "Then I forgot about it."

With the help of a Pierson guidance counselor, Ms. Novak wrote Mr. Giuliani a number of letters imploring him to accept her invitation.

"She'd make an excellent lawyer," said Mr. Giuliani, an attorney himself. He told the class that every career begins in high school, where students learn "principles that help you get through difficult times."

The class of 2005 was just beginning its freshman year of high school when the events of Sept. 11, 2001 took place. "We went through something together," the former mayor said.

"No matter when you grow up, you grow up in a difficult time," he said. "You are going to face difficulties and you are going to face tragedies. Dealing with difficulty is a part of life."

Mr. Giuliani encouraged the graduates to set a goal for themselves in life. Like a sea captain, "You can change it, alter it, but you've got to have it," he said.

He advised the class to be optimistic. In the face of disaster, perhaps referring to his own experiences as a mayor, he said to "constantly look for a solution" and to become "the calmest person in the room - even calmer than you feel." Those who panic "only see exits that are blocked."

He advised them to always be prepared, and said that the first step in "relentless preparation" is a good education. Mr. Giuliani also advised the group to consider how they can contribute to the community and how they can help others, because, he said, "we're social animals."

The Teachers Association of Sag Harbor recognized eight students at the graduation ceremony on Saturday. Scholarships were awarded to Gabriela Garcia, Per Sandell, Chelsea Stoutenburgh, Jake Haugevik, and Ailish Bateman. Recognition awards were given to Scott Parry, Jared Schiavoni, and Emily Toy.