Even the Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown was unable to prevent the skies from opening up.

Despite the presence of Bishop John O. Barres, Notre Dame HS's graduation ceremony for the class of 2015 was subjected to a sudden downpour that will indelibly mark it in the minds of graduates, families and guests. More than 600 people were drenched at the outdoor event, conducted at the school's stadium along Green Pond Road in Bethlehem Township.

The ceremony began earlier than scheduled, in the hope of finishing before the rains started. No such luck. Just as the diplomas were being handed out, a hard rain began to fall, drenching gowns and diplomas alike.

Retiring Principal Joseph Kramer did the only thing he could. He laughed.

As suddenly as it had begun, the rain stopped, and the ceremony continued, a bit more soggy than it was when it started.

Sporting a bow-tie, Salutorian Jared Harrison Hibschman said he has a Superman obsession and was always attracted to Clark Kent's humility. While acknowledging that not everyone can be a super hero, he called on his fellow graduates to "strive to be who we are meant to be."

The school said good-bye to 149 seniors, who will be attending the 142 colleges who have accepted them, from Adelphi University to York College. These include 30 scholarships.

The valedictorian was Christina Scartelli, who kept her remarks brief because of the weather.

Notre Dame High School is a private, co-ed Roman Catholic high school near Easton, in Bethlehem Township. 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.