A crowd numbering more than 100 were on hand to honor Basargin's accomplishment, as well as the students completing eighth grade and kindergarten.

The first in her family of 12 siblings to graduate from high school, Basargin told the audience, "I knew that quitting for me was out of the question."

In spite of a strong Kachemak Bay wind, a well-attended outdoor ceremony acknowledged the success of Kachemak Selo's kindergarteners, eighth graders and high school graduates.

"This is the largest graduating class we've ever had," said Principal Randy Creamer of the eight who received high school diplomas, adding, "It's not the warmest here so I hope you don't mind if we pick up the pace a little bit."

No one in the warmly dressed audience objected, but neither did they leave until the last diploma had been awarded.

Only seven of the graduates were in attendance. Kir Fefelov, who had received a Presidential Award for Educational Achievement, died earlier in the week.

At Voznesenka School ceremonies, a huge tent offered shelter for the eighth-grade and high school senior graduates, as well as the many family and friends in attendance.

"I would encourage you graduates to actively participate in the various areas of responsibility," James Hornaday, mayor of the city of Homer, said in his commencement address.

Zinaida Basargin shines in the spotlight as Razdolna's only graduate this year and the third student to graduate from Razdolna. She received a $4,000 Project GRAD scholarship as well as an $11,000 University of Alaska Scholar scholarship.

"I'm the first of 11 children to graduate," Drosida Basargin said of completing the 12th grade. To her siblings, Basargin said, "Na na na na. I made it."

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibbenjackinsky.@homernews.com.