Some wore anxious expressions, peering nervously toward the gym doors in anticipation. Others gathered in groups of two or three, laughing and sharing some last-minute reminiscences of their high school careers.

Photographer: Aaron Selbig, Homer News Homer High graduates gather for their commencement ceremony

When the band, under the direction of Bill Searle, launched into "Pomp and Circumstance," their moment had arrived.

A mix of humor, tears and the solemn marking of one of life's most important rites of passage, the graduation ceremony had one common theme throughout - this group of 98 young people, many of whom have grown up with one another their entire lives, are a tight-knit bunch.

"It's good to finally have it over but it's sad at the same time," said graduate Robbie Brymer, who plans to pursue an architectural engineering degree at the University of Alaska Anchorage in the fall. "We're a close class. We've bonded a lot, especially at the end of the year.

After Principal Reyna Duenas, co-valedictorians Teresa Wisner and Brittney Wyatt and class president Hannah Grady all had a chance to address the graduates, the gym-full of friends and family enjoyed a PowerPoint presentation, put together by the yearbook staff, looking back on the year.

One by one, a collage of fun photos accompanied the name of each of the graduates. For every one, a joyous whoop erupted from the crowd.

Wyatt got the crowd going with one last Mariner cheer - "I say gold, you say blue!" - and cracked up her classmates with a recollection of the time her dad, head football coach Camron Wyatt, ripped off his shirt at the homecoming pep rally and had his head shaved by the football players.

"I was mortified, horrified and petrified. I still don't know why he felt he had to take his shirt off in front of the whole school," she said.

Commencement speaker and Homer Middle School science teacher Duncan Wanamaker interspersed his mostly serious speech, a lengthy list of advice for "real life," with humor, as well.

"I hope you were nice to the nerds," he said. "You'll probably be working for one someday."

After the traditional presentation of diplomas - which featured at least as many popping flashbulbs as a Hollywood movie premiere - and the elated tossing of caps into the air, the bleachers emptied and the tears started to flow.

"I'm proud and to tell you the truth, a little relieved," said Keith Mayes, father of graduate Zackery Mayes. "He's the only kid I've got and I'm real proud of him."

Many members of the class of 2009 plan to pursue higher education next year.

Stephanie Fielding said she was planning to stay in Homer and study criminal justice at the Kachemak Bay Campus, Kenai Peninsula College-University of Alaska Anchorage while Marina Harrington said she would pursue a degree in psychology at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.

"I got into it here at Homer High, actually, and I just fell in love with it," said Harrington.

Piper Daugharty, a two-sport athlete at Homer High who plans to attend Western Washington University, said she looked forward to the new challenges that lie ahead.

"There are a lot of things I want to pursue. I'd like to sing, write and maybe get involved in theatre," she said.

Some students, however, weren't yet looking beyond graduation night.

"We're done!" exclaimed Patrick Lowe. "Time to party, dude!"

Aaron Selbig can be reached at aaronselbig.@homernews.com.