The town of Norwich, Kansas — population 450 — is about to get even smaller.The Headrick sextuplets, whose birth made national headlines in 2002, graduated from Norwich High School, and come fall, the siblings will be heading off in different directions.

It’s understandable that their parents, Sondra and Eldon Headrick, are experiencing a range of emotions.“I can’t even put into words how proud we are of them,” Sondra, 51, told TODAY Parents. “But at the same time, you know, we’re a little sad.”Sondra said she finds comfort in knowing that the 18-year-olds are continuing their education in Kansas.

Ethan is headed to Wichita State University to study technical networking, while Sean will major in cybersecurity at Cowley College. Grant, who is the most outgoing of the boys, is taking a gap year.“He’s going to continue working and figure out what he wants to do next,” Sondra explained.

Jaycie, the class salutatorian, will study elementary education at Pratt Community College. Her sisters Melissa and Danielle are attending Hutchinson Community College for graphic design and animation, respectively.

“Melissa and Danielle won’t be roommates, but they want to be on the same floor, so they can check on each other,” Sondra said. “The girls are really extremely close. They’ll stay up late talking about everything.”

Sondra predicts that the first couple of days will be “an awakening” for Ethan, Sean, Grant, Jaycie, Melissa and Danielle.“They’ve always been together,” she said.