Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Coral Harbour (Oct 18/00) - Sakku school graduates will not only receive high school diplomas this Saturday, they will also make history.

The school had five grads the first year it was able to grant high school diplomas in 1995. Since then the school has averaged two grads a year. This year's class is the largest ever with eight graduates.

Principal Ken Beardsall says a number of factors led to the record number, but it was mainly because more kids are staying in school. He adds a big reason for the shift is parental expectations have changed.

"It's more the norm for parents to expect their kids to get their Grade 12 now," says Beardsall. "It used to be such a huge thing and now that it's expected, that helps a lot."

He says the number of Inuit staff at Sakku is also helping keep kids in school. He says Inuit staff members have helped spread the message that being in school is no longer something that's imposed from the south.

"It's feeling more home-grown and that change in perception has been helping us increase parental involvement."

Beardsall says the success of some school athletes has also helped student interest and improved school spirit.

"It's hard, with a school that ranges from kindergarten to Grade 12, for the students to think of their school as a high school. They've been coming here since kindergarten, so athletic success definitely helps in that regard."

Both the school and community are celebrating.

Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell will attend the ceremony. Premier Paul Okalik, who also holds the education portfolio, has been invited.

Chris Dasilva from Kivalliq Regional School Services in Baker Lake will attend, and the hamlet's mayor will present the grads with a token of appreciation.

Beardsall says the grads came up with their own theme for the big night -- 2000 Memories, 2000 Dreams.

"One grad, Jonathan Emiktowt, had to write his English departmental a few times to get through. He's been determined to graduate, despite not being the most gifted student academically.

"He had a great motto. He played on the precious time in your life theme and came up with, it's about time."