On a hot but breezy Saturday evening, 113 members of the Notre Dame HS senior class celebrated their graduation. Dressed in the school’s colors of blue and gold, some decorated their graduation caps with flowers, stars and a few Penn State lions.

The ceremony opened with the procession of the students while the band played Pomp and Circumstance. The National Anthem was performed with enthusiasm. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chaplain the Reverend Daniel Kravitz gave the Invocation.

Notre Dame alumnus Joseph Kelly gave welcoming remarks. His address acknowledged the COVID pandemic.

“Now that this crisis has subsided, we can lift our eyes to the horizon and dream big dreams,” he said.

Salutatorian Gregorio Macchia also spoke of the pandemic.

“This year taught us to be patient,” he said.

Awards were presented for academic performance, club leadership, athletics, and civic organization awards. Then the valedictorian was introduced.

“It’s been a rough year, but if I have one word for all of us, it’s resilient,” said valedictorian Jude E. Bislig. He addressed mental health concerns brought on by the isolation of the pandemic He said his own mental health suffered most at the beginning of his senior year, as he was “applying for colleges and scholarships.”

“I learned to appreciate breaks, and learned better time management,” he said. “If you need someone to talk to, your family, teachers and staff, talk to someone. And check in on others.”

He thanked his family, and he thanked his girlfriend, “Thank you Michaela, I love you; sorry if I’m embarrassing you right now.”

The diplomas were awarded by Principal Jaclyn Friel.

“I am proud of you, and you should be proud of yourselves,” she said, repeating it for emphasis.

Closing remarks were given by School President Andrew D’Angelo. He thanked the graduation organizers, the leadership team, the faculty and the parents. He asked the parents who were also Notre Dame alumni to stand.

“You did not get to enjoy all the Notre Dame traditions for seniors,” he told the graduates. He mentioned their prom was held in the parking lot.

“You rose to the occasion,” he said.

He indicated signs to each side of the platform with the names of colleges or universities members of the Class of 2021 had been accepted by. He said the class was awarded over $7 million in scholarships.

Outgoing Student Council Executive Board President Giovanna Baldo was presented with her gavel as a farewell gift.

The benediction and blessing were delivered by Chaplain Reverend Daniel Kravitz. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Notre Dame Alma Mater. The band played Giuseppe Verdi’s Trumphal March from Aida as the ceremony concluded.