Notre Dame Green Pond's gridiron was filled to the brim on a sunny June 1 with more than 500 raucous people. But instead of a rooting for the Crusaders football team, these fans were cheering for 121 graduating sons and daughters, who were saying good-bye to their second home over the past four years.

But valedictorian Gabrielle DeMatos Grys reminded them, "We are never alone. God is always here."

This emphasis on spirituality, along with a sprinkle of humor here and there, was the common theme throughout the ceremony. Salutatorian Jimmy Capella, for example, insisted on starting his address by taking a selfie. But his address focused on the impact of the Blessed Mother. In fact, at a school named after her, Capella finished his speech by reciting the Hail Mary.

Capella was by no means the only person taking pictures. Parents flooded both sides of the outdoor stage for their own shots of the ceremony. Even valedictorian Grys took a selfie before she started her speech, explaining her class had commanded her to do it.

Selfies must matter. But according to Grys, accolades and big paychecks mean little. In fact, she even conceded her class is not the smartest or most athletic that Notre Dame ever graduated. But what sets them apart is that they care about others. "We impact the people around us in a positive way," she said.

Then, perhaps in a hint to the moms and dads in the crowd, she quoted F. Scott Fitzgerald.

"It's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it."

The MVB (Most Valuable Bishop), as seniors referred to The Most Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of the Allentown Diocese, was presented with a gift, after which he delivered the commencement address. He reminded the audience of the example that Pope Francis, increasingly referred to as the "People's Pope," has set for people of all faiths. Calling the Holy Father a man of "communion and peace," he called on the graduating class to be men and women of communion and peace.

Graduates of this class will go on to pursue their education at 52 different colleges and universities, from Moravian College to Georgetown University. Scholarships have been awarded to 14 students.

Notre Dame High School is a private, coed Roman Catholic high school near Easton. With an enrollment of about 570, taught by a 40-person faculty, it includes Ninth through 12th grades. Joseph R. Kramer, Jr., is the principal.

Additional coverage of the Notre Dame graduation will appear in our special graduation supplement to be published on June 25.