Before officially commencing the 2007 graduation ceremony, principal John Harrison looked down at the 360 young faces below him and delivered a last-minute reminder: “Don’t forget, students, to bring your name card with you when coming up to receive your diploma. It’s attached to the back of your seat. Make sure you bring it up.”

Although it may not have been the most gallant opening, Harrison’s words were fitting. After all, it was the last chance he’d have to deliver well-intentioned reminders. The principal’s sidenote, even if receiving a few eye-rolls from seniors, touched a sore spot among the hundreds of parents, grandparents, teachers, mentors and coaches gathered in the WaMu Theater. It brought the crowd back to what this night was really about: Letting go.

“We won’t be handed gas money and mom won’t do our laundry anymore,” senior class officer Melissa Taylor pointed out in her speech. “Don’t forget to thank the people who helped raise and educate you. Don’t forget to thank your parents for all of the times they grounded you or embarrassed you in front of your friends because it only made you stronger.”

And gratitude, it seemed, was the unifying emotion of the night. If there is one thing the Class of 2007 doesn’t take for granted, it’s their roots — family, teachers, coaches, community … the Island.

“Every family member, student and staff member here in this room has affected me in some way, great or small,” said class officer Brittney Wong. “That’s the beauty of the inter-connectedness of our world, a place where nobody can say they are truly alone. We’re in this together, which is why it’s vital for us to continue to support one another throughout life’s sufferings and successes as we have in the past.”

Valedictorians Jacob Bobman, Alison Caditz, Katherine Defliese, Meghan Flaherty, Sara Ramsay, and Kristen Shibuya echoed the same message in their speech, “From Recess to Reunion.”

“It is because of the love, support and guidance we receive from our families, teachers and friends that we, the Class of 2007, move forward with confidence and strength, ready to reach for our dreams,” said Bobman.

The response from parents and relatives, many holding digital cameras above their heads to get one last video of their high schooler, was heartfelt.

Faculty speaker Dino Annest addressed the crowd’s sentiment directly: “It’s all right, let them go. They can’t fly and make magic if they’re tethered.”

Call it magic, call it talent, call it what you will; the Class of 2007’s individual performances Thursday night were enchanting.

A fitting follow-up to Annest’s final words, “let’s make magic,” Micah Babinski held the crowd captive with a passionate solo on bagpipes. The senior’s unique musical talent has come to define the Class of 2007, adding Scottish freckles to an already compelling face.

“Our class definitely stands out,” said graduate Devin Hawkins. “We’ve got personalities that will shine through tonight.”

And shine they did.

Jazz choir soloist Jessi Mann delivered a stellar performance of “Desperado” with Chris Winterbauer on keyboard and backup vocals. The song left many brimming with tears, as Mann’s sparkling stage grace momentarily transformed graduation into the Grammys.

The soloist later joined her fellow jazz choir members in a moving performance of Billy Joel’s “Lullabye.” And that wasn’t the last of it.

During his closing speech, Principal Harrison led the entire auditorium — backed by the school band – in a rousing sing-along to the popular MIHS cheer song, “Hey Baby.” Ceremony formalities were forgotten and the Class of 2007 were up on their feet, clapping and dancing. The familiar school-spirit tune even prompted a round of “Mer-cer Is-land, Mer-cer Is-land.”

The night ended, as always, with the traditional tassel flip and recessional. And like the 48 MIHS graduations before it, there were hugs of joy, tears of pride, families posing for photographs, teachers weighed down by flowers, and students adorned with leis. But unlike any other graduation, in any other year, in any other district, there was something about the MIHS Class of 2007 that stood out. If only we could put our finger on it.