Bayview School’s 11th commencement ceremony Thursday afternoon was unique and special, much like the 13 students being honored.

Wait — make that 14. Longtime vocational arts teacher Jean Shaw (Radcliffe, Class of 1957) was made an honorary graduate of the Class of 2007.

“I even got my own page in the yearbook,” she said.

Celebrating their rite of passage were Shannon Black, Zach Broyles, Robert Dugger, Kristi Harrop, Lindsey Howie, Sara Jones, Alex Kegley, Sarah Kelso, Christine Meyer, Dan Raavel, Jeff Riggs, Tiffany Roszel and Heather Roszell.

As guests gathered, a giant yellow butterfly fluttered over the amphitheater next to Bayview Hall. The Ad Hoc Drummers entertained a crowd of roughly 230 family and friends while the graduates fussed with their multi-hued caps and gowns.

Right on time, the graduates began their processional from the hall, preceded by classmates carrying colorful drawings and pictures — memories of the challenges each senior faced to get here.

And there were many challenges. The class began with 25 students, but a few fell by the wayside. Those who persevered were honored with all the accolades their teachers and administrators could muster.

School director Scott Mauk said it was a trial sometimes to keep everyone on the same path.

“Each has struggled to be here today,” he said.

When Riggs came up, Mauk called him a “world-class procrastinator” who finished his final credits just a few hours earlier.

Riggs just grinned.

As each student came to the lectern to receive diplomas, their achievements were celebrated by Shaw, Mauk, Charlene Suzuki or former director Dianne Moondancer.

“Shannon struggled with demons inside and out but she confronted her fears and overcame them,” Suzuki said of Black.

Broyles, a father, was hailed as a creative fellow and a fine magician.

Suzuki recalled that Dugger was “a little scary” when he arrived two years ago from California.

“But he never gave up on himself or his classmates,” she added.

Mauk noted that Harrop was a fine dancer. “She felt disconnected from school and Bayview became her touchstone,” he said.

The final honoree was presented with a retirement apple and plaque by the South Whidbey School District with a good deal of grateful thanks.

“Jean set the standards by which all of us live our lives,” Mauk said. “She is much loved by students and staff, a woman who refused to let the shadows of her life overcome her always sunny soul.”

Scholarships were awarded to Jones, Black, Hegley and Tiffany Roszel. The Goosefoot Founders Award went to Jones.

Superintendent Fred McCarthy was accompanied by all five members of the school board.

“Each of our graduates are different and it’s clear there are a lot of caring folks at Bayview,” McCarthy said. “I was touched by hearing their stories; I could see the parents were very excited and proud of their success.”

After a reading from Nelson Mandela’s inauguration address, the graduates held their recessional.

“Their day in the sun has ended; their futures start right now,” Mauk said.