DAPHNE, Ala. — A class of 67 graduating Bayside Academy seniors participated in commencement on Sunday at the bluff near the school.

They left behind teachers and friends that many students have known for most of their lives. With 23 A students and 23 A and B students, three girls volleyball champions, two National Merit Finalists — based on pre-Stanford Achievement Test scores — an all-state tennis champion and an all-county rushing leader in football among them, this class should depart from Bayside with a sense of worth as they enter the world.

According to Alan Foster, director of admissions, career choices for the class are in line with their current levels of success.

Some popular paths are medicine and law, he said, and several want to own businesses.

“One young man wants to own six or seven charter boats because he’s really into hunting and fishing … there are a lot of entrepreneurial minds around here,” he said.

“Several are undecided and just want to find that college and become successful folks.”

Bayside’s atmosphere, he believes, will give this class an edge on other schools’ seniors. Bayside is a college preparatory independent school where class sizes are smaller.

“Teachers are able to focus on the individual student; teachers are passionate about their subject and the individual’s future,” he said. “Those teachers know every one of those seniors very well.

“Many of them have been here since kindergarten or pre-kindergarten. It’s a family environment plus high expectations.

“It’s nice to have people know your name.”