The 2006 graduating class from Bayview School was small in number but big in heart.

Amid cheers and tears and lots of hugs, the eight-student senior class of Bayview School graduated Thursday afternoon in a ceremony at Bayview Hall.

The students marched in wearing different colored caps and gowns; some wore the traditional black, while others wore green, pink and purple. A drumming processional raised the energy level even higher for the already enthusiastic audience while younger classmates carried handcrafted banners made for each graduate.

The graduates were honored as they took the next step in their lives. Proud family and friends listened as teachers extolled the skills and traits of each student.

Prior to receiving their diplomas, each student was introduced by a Bayview teacher/mentor who highlighted the student’s journey to graduation — a Bayview graduation tradition.

“You stayed the course and you are to be commended. You are ready to take on the issues of the world,” Bob Brown, superintendent of the South Whidbey School District, told Bayview graduates.

The students were honored for their skills and creativity, celebrated for their individuality and congratulated for overcoming personal and academic challenges. Emotions overcame some students and their family members as they listened to the tributes. Indeed, it’s probably the only graduation ceremony where tissue is offered as a party favor.

Another Bayview School tradition: all graduates receive a gift from Goosefoot — a roll of duct tape and a Swiss Army knife engraved with “Bayview 2006.”

“The duct tape is for the attachments you will make in life, and the knife is for when you want to detach,” said Leigh Anderson, executive director of Goosefoot.

The evening was also the final graduation ceremony for the school’s director, Dianne Moondancer.

Moondancer is retiring after 32 years as a teacher. She has been director of Bayview School since 2000.

The class saluted Moondancer by making her an honorary member of the Class of 2006.

Moondancer’s parting advice to her last class of graduates: “Live in grace.”

“The ‘G’ is for gratitude for each day, ‘R’ for reflection, ‘A’ for awareness to know yourself and honor the earth, ‘C’ for compassion and caring. And ‘E’ for engagement to be present in your life,” Moondancer said.

Tears flowed freely after her speech as Moondancer walked over to hug each of the seated graduates all the while singing “Can you be anymore beautiful.”

Moondancer’s replacement next year is Scott Mauk.

“Moondancer was a friend to her students, offering them unconditional love,” Mauk said, his voice cracking with emotion. “She has taught us that it is OK to be friends with our students.”

Moondancer and Bayview teacher Jean Shaw stood at Mauk’s side to support him as he gave an emotional tribute to the school’s parting director.

“Bayview is what it is because of Dianne. We will miss her steadfast devotion,” Mauk said.