Roars of applause rained down on a sea of blue and white, as 285 seniors in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, turned their tassels during their commencement ceremony at Sun National Bank Center, Trenton.

“The diploma you received is truly a gift of love from a parent who believed you truly deserve a Notre Dame education,” said principal Mary Liz Ivins, who added her hopes that the graduates will remember just how many people have cared for them and loved them throughout their four-year journey. “Never forget how very deeply you are loved.”

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And for graduate Nicholas Sheetz, it was easy to thank one of his parents for the gift of a Catholic education - during every school day. His mother, Janine Corgan, serves as technology coordinator for the high school, and had the privilege to join other alumni parents to hand her son his diploma on stage.

Proudly donning his blue cap and gown, Sheetz was all smiles.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said when talking about his excitement and pride in his graduation. “I feel like Notre Dame prepared me well.”

And for his proud mother, seeing him each day around the hallways was nothing short of a blessing.

“It was really wonderful to see him every day,” Corgan said, joking that her office served as his second, third and fourth lockers.

JoAnn Tier, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, expressed her pride in the graduates who were responsible for more than a third of the school’s 47,212 hours of community service last year.

“The class of 2012 has earned over $12 million in scholarships and grants,” she said. “You are marvelous, unique and beautiful creations of God...you are pure potential.”

Valedictorian Ashley Lozier spoke to her fellow graduates about the stories they write as their lives unfold. While graduation might seem like an ending, she said it is much more a beginning.

“(As graduates) we reach the climax of the stories we have been so meticulously writing,” she said, continuing to describe the next literary component of a story - the falling action. “It is not so much a falling action, but a falling into place.”

While addresses, jobs, interests and even names might change, she said, “the author of the story will always be you.”

For the second year, Notre Dame included the “Golden Irish” in their commencement ceremony, this year members from the Class of 1962, who celebrated their own graduation 50 years ago.

“We thank you for all that you have done,” said Barry Breen, NDHS president. “I wish to thank you for setting the standard.”

More than a dozen of the 50-year alumni came out for the ceremony, and marched before the graduates as parents cheered them on.

Harold Youmans remembered quite well his time working on the school newspaper, and interning at The Monitor after graduating. He said his time at Notre Dame was truly unforgettable.

“It was such a great education. It just helped us tremendously,” he said as he stood beside his wife, Darlene, also a member of the same graduating class. “We have fond memories.”

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., was homilist at the Baccalaureate Mass June 9 in the high school’s auditorium. “It’s a beautiful tradition that we begin our Commencement activities during this, the holy sacrifice of the Mass, the most important activity of our Catholic Church,” he stated, acknowledging the changes the class will experience on their journeys through life.

“One thing has been constant and that is the presence of God,” he continued. “God has been present to you in your parents, your families.  God has been present to you in your teachers, the staff and administrators here.  God has been present to you in your friends.”

As the 285 friends and graduates prepare to enter the 124 different colleges and universities of their choice, the armed forces and even the United States Hockey League, Bishop O’Connell reminded the young men and women to always take Christ with them.

“As you leave high school and as you move forward, whether you go to college or some other path in your life, I want to encourage you to stay close to the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist,” he proposed. “Get to Mass, listen to the readings, pray the prayers. Recognize the fact that the Lord is coming into your hearts once more to fill you with His love.”

Following the homily, members of the senior class presented mementos that were significant to them during their high school career.  Objects including a class ring, a yearbook, Varsity letter, Kairos cross, a prom ticket, artwork and student publications were offered along with the bread and wine. 

Two members of the senior class read letters they had written to their parents.  Christopher John Kaluzny penned a letter to his father and likened their relationship to a game of baseball.  He recalled how his father had always been there for him, acted as his coach in life and has gleaned lessons from his father that he is prepared to carry with him throughout adulthood. “No excuses, play with character, control only what is within reach, play one pitch at a time, think positive, win with humility and lose with dignity,” Kaluzny enumerated.

Kristyn Ann Chiarello offered fond memories of her childhood and credited her mother with being a stabilizing and cohesive force.  She stated gratefully, “Your faith in me and your faith in God has been the glue that has held our family together.”