WESTFIELD, Ind. -- A graduation ceremony at Westfield High School Tuesday night had all the pomp and circumstance, but was lacking shoes.

The school's class of 2009 went barefoot for a good cause -- to help the charitable organization Samaritan's Feet, 6News' Ericka Flye reported.

Samaritan's Feet provides shoes to millions of children in need all over the world. Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis basketball coach Ron Hunter gained national attention for going barefoot while coaching games.

Hunter's devotion to the cause earned the attention of Hannah Adams, class president, and prompted her to act.

"What really grabbed me is the fact that they not only give shoes to children who don't have any, but they also wash their feet and tell them the story of Christ, something that is a huge passion of mine," Adams said.

Students approached Principal Stacy McGuire with the idea. She not only gave them the OK, but went to graduation barefoot, too.

"Kind of the last act of the class of 2009 is one of unity, one of cultural awareness, one of global awareness," McGuire said.

The shoes the class collected before graduation filled an entire classroom, but many more were dropped off in collection boxes at graduation.

"I can't imagine going through my whole life never having a pair of shoes," said graduate Katrina Gerlach. "I pick from high heels and tennis shoes … all the time, but walking through school and not having my shoes on, it's two hours for a child who never had a pair of shoes in their entire life."

Going barefoot was optional, and there were a few students who opted not to take part.

It won't be known for a few days how many pairs of shoes were collected. The effort was district-wide.

More Info: www.samaritansfeet.org