Val, Sal Named At Pierson High School

SAG HARBOR, NY — Pierson High School in Sag Harbor has named its valedictorian and salutatorian: Hannah Tuma and Emily Hallock have earned the top spots as valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2019, respectively, through their outstanding academic achievements, the district said.

They share a commitment to excellence and their community, but a different perspective on their high school years, district officials said.

Hannah Tuma joined Pierson in her sophomore year and was enthralled with new academic opportunities, extracurricular activities and the opportunity to “get out of her comfort zone,” the district said.

Tuma, who will attend the University of Virginia in the fall, said she once had a specific career path mapped out, but her experiences at Pierson opened up new possibilities and avenues.

In addition to her top-ranking academic career, she is co-founder, administrator, and editor of the school's newspaper, The Hypothetical, a member of the National Honor Society and served as a Model United Nations delegate and co-captain of the Lady Whaler’s volleyball team.

“Over the years, I’ve challenged myself with the hardest classes and the International Baccalaureate program at Pierson. It’s rewarding to realize I cannot only handle the course load and pressure, but excel,” Tuma said.

As she speaks to fellow students on graduation day, Tuma said she hopes to "impart a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future," she said.

Tuma is the recipient of the American Legion Chelberg and Battle Post #388 Memorial Scholarship and New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

On graduation day, salutatorian Emily Hallock will bid farewell to many schoolmates that she has known since kindergarten. She, too, has challenged herself, taking up to five science classes per day, the district said.

She plans to study biomedical engineering at Duke University in the fall and explained that she chose Duke because of its diversity and location.

“I wanted a place with great academics but also an environment that I would like to live in for the next four years," she said.

Hallock is a member of the National Honor Society and Bridgehampton High School’s competitive cheerleading team; she has also received the New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence, the Lions Club Scholarship and “Good Citizen” award from the Southampton Colony Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the district said.

The Pierson High School Class of 2019 will graduate on June 29.