The Wings Christian Academy graduating class of 2009 presents their principal, Mr. Ruffridge, with an award at the end of their commencement ceremony. Photos by M. Scott Moon Elliot Gill, right, sits on Frank Grant's lap while waiting to present a balloon to his cousin Mickelle Waters.
Deanna Noel photographs the graduate's cake before the commencement.
Story last updated at 6/1/2009 - 3:46 pm
Wings Christian Academy
With fewer than 30 students in the entire school, it's no surprise that the five graduates of Wings Christian Academy's class of 2009 will most miss the tight-knit group of classmates that have been such a large part of their lives.
"We're pretty much family," said Melissa Newton. "It was always fun coming to school and being around my friends."
"We all know each other really well," said Mickelle Waters. "You can love each other and hate each other."
"I'll miss just how small it was," said Alisha Thompson.
Rebekah Wood and Troy Consiel, too, said they'll miss the good friends they've made at Wings.
About being such a small school, Consiel said, "It's pretty cool."
Though she will miss her friends, Wood said she's excited about graduating. Wood said she plans on finding a job and getting married to her "wonderful boyfriend."
Waters, who will miss hanging out with Wings principal Mr. Ruffridge, said she plans on attending college after high school.
"I want to become a teacher," she said. "I love kids."
Waters said she'd like to teach third grade.
Newton, too, plans on attending college after graduation. She said she's going to the University of Alaska Anchorage to study journalism and political science.
"I'm just kind of an analytical person," Newton said.
Newton said she'll miss the security of high school.
Consiel said he'll miss his playing basketball with friends. Consiel plans on attending Alaska Vocational Technical Center in Seward to study automotive technology.
Consiel said he likes every aspect of mechanics and can often be found under the hood of his car outside of school.
Thompson said she, like Waters, will miss Mr. Ruffridge.
"He's a hoot," she said.
Thompson said she plans on attending Kenai Peninsula College to study general business.
As far as advice for her underclassmen, Thompson said, "Stick with it, it's worth it in the end. Don't quit, don't cheat, it's not worth it."
Consiel echoed her words saying, "Don't quit, even when you feel like quitting. Study, it really helps."
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