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If there is one truth about Ninilchik High School, its that those that inhabit the halls are as much family as they are students and faculty, and these feelings were clear during the 2009 commencement ceremony last month.

The family members, friends, teachers and coaches of the nine graduates came together too see them one last time before they head off to enter colleges, technical school or the work force.

"I'm glad I grew up and went to school here. The teachers are more like friends. They've always helped me out and been there when things got tough. I've liked it," said Tylor Sutherland, who began attending the school in seventh grade.

Sutherland, who played point guard for the basketball team, said he will also miss the hardwood.

"Sports were fun and we had good coaches, so I'll miss basketball, but I'm hoping to play at a community college level somewhere," he said.

Sutherland said he had not decided on a college yet, but had narrowed it down to a few schools. He will be taking a year off to work with his grandfather in Hawaii, while he makes up his mind.

Graduate Forrest Garrison said he also enjoyed playing sports at Ninilchik, and he hopes to continue on with them in life after high school.

"I played basketball and track. I love sports and love watching them. I'm not good enough to play at a college level, but I still want to be involved with sports in some way," he said.

As a result, Garrison has opted to attend the University of Montana in Bozeman, where he is hoping to pursue a career in athletic training or physical therapy. He said it will be a dramatic change to attend such a large university after so many years -- nine of his 12 -- in a small school.

"I think at first it will be weird, but I'm looking forward to getting into the groove of it. I'm a little sad, since going to Montana will be so far away from my friends. Having a class of nine people you're pretty much family. But, I am excited to be done with high school," he said.

While not going Outside for college, Cody Presley is also looking forward to getting a taste of the university experience.

"I've been going here my whole life, and I have a lot of memories, but I'm looking forward to seeing what a big school is like. I'm excited for the independence and to meet new people. I think it's going to be fun," he said.

Presley will be attending the University of Alaska in Anchorage on a Project Grad scholarship, and potentially a few others.

"I'm going into political science, but would like to get a law degree after that," he said.

Because of what the future holds, Presley said he isn't too emotional about his high school days being over.

"I don't feel sad because to me it doesn't feel like an end. It feels like a beginning," he said.