SLIPPERY ROCK — There was plenty of primping Friday at Slippery Rock University's Morrow Field House, thanks to Mother Nature.

Slippery Rock High School seniors were greeted by a downpour as many arrived for graduation.

“I didn't get inside before it started raining,” graduate Zac Rodgers said.

Rodgers who plans to pursue a career in criminology said that a lot of students got caught in the rain and were damp or wet, which made the ordeal easier to handle.

“I don't really feel bad about that part,” he said.

Graduates Breannah Warner and Samantha Gillen both said they were ready to move to the next stage of their lives.

Warner said she will miss the sense of community.

“I liked just watching everybody grow through the years,” she said.

Both Warner and Gillen plan to continue their education in college, but Gillen knows she specifically wants to go to Robert Morris University and earn a degree in psychology.

Gillen said she is glad that she and Warner's families were attending.

“They're glad we made it,” Gillen said.

Richie Redick also was happy to have his family at graduation, and he's thankful for the support he's received throughout the years.

“I feel pretty proud of myself,” he said. “There were times I didn't think I was going to make it. You just have to believe in yourself.”

The student speakers, Sarah Schmidt and Gage LaChance, focused on that sense of community and they prompted their classmates to excel beyond this milestone.

“We must leave behind the safe place we have used to learn and grow,” Schmidt said. “Find what you stand for and actually do something about it.”

Cory Hake, high school principal, thanked the teachers for their efforts.

“You have shared your hearts, your talents and above all else, your time,” Hake said.

He also wished the graduates luck on their new journeys.

“I wish you all the best as you pursue your dreams and find your place in this world,” Hake said.

And, planned or not, Alfonso Angelucci, the district superintendent, brought the weather back into perspective with a quick joke.

“There is no two-hour delay,” he said. “There is no delay whatsoever.”

Angelucci said these seniors showed excellent promise for the future. He said two-thirds of the class plan to continue their education in college.

“The Class of 2018 will receive $661,000 in scholarships and awards,” he said. “From all our reports, this class has embodied our school's purpose and mission.”

Angelucci said the Class of 2018 has great prospects.

“You will go on to do great things and make us all proud,” Angelucci said. “Thank you.”