The graduating class at Bishop Stang High School kept their spirits strong even as threatening skies enveloped them at their May 28 commencement ceremony.

That was a fitting metaphor for this class having preserved and even thrived through this pandemic — an accomplishment touched on frequently by graduation speakers.

“This past year or so has made you better people, has made you stronger, thanks to your hard work, perseverance and dedication,’’ Bishop Edgar Cunha told the graduating Spartans. 

He also told graduates of the Catholic school that the challenges have served as a reminder of “how important faith is during difficult times.’’ 

Keynote speaker Gail Fortes, a graduate of the Class of 1989 and executive director of the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts, reflected on the importance of moving forward through life’s uncertainties.

“As long as you don’t compromise yourself or your faith, principles, and values you will be okay and everything will turn out as it should be,’’ she said. “Everything happens for a reason, even though we may not know the reason or understand it at the time. ‘’

As a woman of Cape Verdean descent, she said she was pleased to see that diversity had increased at the high school since she graduated more than 30 years ago and hopes that will continue.

“It is so important to do this work,’’ she said. “Students want to see and learn from teachers that look like them and represent their culture.’’ 

She noted that although the day was an emotional one, “this is not goodbye — this is hello to your future.’’

Valedictorian Ryan Pianka said the events of the past year were enough “to destroy a community’’ but through it all “the class of 2021 emerges as one of the strongest body of adults I have ever seen.’’

“Extend your influence as far and wide as possible,’’ he told his fellow graduates. “Never forget to be kind.’’