Bright sunshine defied the dreary forecast July 25 at Notre Dame HS as friends, family and faculty gathered at the school’s football field to watch the Class of 2020 take its final bow.

Commencement exercises opened as the senior class, decked out and masked up in Crusader colors, entered the field to Sir Edgar Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance led by student council President Michael Irving.

From there, Assistant Principal Jaclyn Friel introduced Victoria Dyer, salutatorian for the Class of 2020. Dyer reflected on her transition from public to Catholic education in middle school. Though she found herself behind in a few subjects when she first started, she caught up by the end of her first year with steady help from her teachers and her own hard work. She found that same support system at Notre Dame HS, and it taught her a big life lesson about hard work.

“Catholic education helped prepare me for my future in that it showed me that success is determined by the amount of work you put in and asking for help when you need it,” Dyer explained. “As I go to college, I understand that I will get the most out of my education by putting in work, asking questions, and not being ashamed to ask for help.”

Following Dyer, Chaplain Father Eugene Ritz led the seniors and guests in Holy Mass. During his homily, he commented on the class’s resilience in the midst of unique times. He recalled the day in March when everyone was told to leave school, take all their belongings, and prepare for online learning. Stuents remained focused, hardworking and joyful, he said.

“It was evident in you, in your creativity, how you continued to work toward your goals and accomplished the things that were placed before you, and even the joy on your faces, that no matter what reality you’re handed, together or individually, you will take it and manage to make the world a better place,” Ritz said.

He encouraged the graduates to lean on their faith in uncertain times.

“No matter what you face, even when it happens in an instant and you don’t see it coming, God will bring about grace through you if you allow him,” Ritz explained. He paraphrased Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of Catholic education, reminding the students that, “Moments of grace come from moments of suffering.”

Ritz announced that he, too, will be leaving Notre Dame HS. He has accepted a position as Diocesan Tribunal for the Ecclesiastical Court of Allentown affiliated with the Diocese of Allentown.

“I loved your class so much, I thought, ‘why not just leave with you?’” Ritz said.

Father Dan Kravatz from Notre Dame Church in Bethlehem will take over as chaplain beginning this academic year.

Ritz and Kravatz distributed communion to the seniors and led the congregation in prayer to conclude the mass. Afterwards, Friel introduced Kelsey Priestaf, the 2020 valedictorian.

Priestaf spoke about the nature of the unknown. She said that while the unknown is often very scary, embracing it can lead to great rewards. She referenced her initial trepidations about coming to Notre Dame and her fears of being immersed in a new school and culture that seemed so different than anything she had experienced before. After an exciting journey of rigorous academics, sports, leadership activities and community, she is thankful she did not allow her fears to stand in her way.

“Choosing to come to Notre Dame was the unknown for me, and stepping into that unknown was one of the best decisions of my life,” she said.

She encouraged her classmates to embrace the unknown as they step into the world and whatever plans they have after graduation, especially in these unique times.

“The unknown scares me, but it’s often in the unknown that we grow the most,” Priestaf said.

Principal Andrew D’Angelo took to the podium and recalled how this senior year started off like every other senior year, but in one instant became like no other senior year. He reflected on cancelations, derailed plans, frustration and disappointment, and through it all, the undeterred optimism of the Class of 2020.

”Your celebrations may have looked different and your plans may have been rearranged, but in the end, your optimism and fortitude brought us all to the finish line with a sense of pride and peace. YOU did that, not us,” D’Angelo said. “You deserve our praise and our continued support. This graduation – YOUR graduation is unlike any other in history, and you have earned your place here today – probably more than any other graduate of this high school, or any other.”

He encouraged the graduates to remain grounded in the faith of their education and remember that they always have a home at Notre Dame.

“We look forward to your visits and hearing of all the great accomplishments we know you will achieve,” D’Angelo said.

The seniors approached the podium row by row to be awarded their diplomas by D’Angelo. He then led them in the traditional “Turning of the Tassels” to officially mark their transition from seniors to graduates. But those tassels didn’t stay in place for long as the new graduates tossed their caps in celebration just moments later.