Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (June 12/02) - The Class of 2002 at Qitiqliq high school is making history.

The 13 graduates to receive their diplomas were the most in Arviat's history.

And that's not all. To date, five of the graduates have been accepted into Southern post-secondary schools, and a number of others are still waiting to hear back about their applications.

Qitiqliq high guidance counsellor Ashok Athavale is credited with much of the success in getting the Arviat students accepted into post-secondary schools.

The students have applied to Red River College, the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg.

Graduate Janine Kalluak will attend a Bible college in British Columbia.

Athavale says the students were receptive to having him initiate contact with Southern schools regarding post-secondary education.

He says one major plus with the students is that they knew they were going to have support.

"Most of the kids in Arviat really haven't had much experience living away from home, especially in regards to living independently for that long a period of time," says Athavale.

"Many of them have heard all kinds of horrific stories about the city, especially concerning racism and other unpleasant topics. But because of my contacts in having come from Winnipeg, I was able to put aside most of those fears."

Athavale says the students were both excited and apprehensive at first. Once they began to see letters coming back from the schools, though, their interest grew.

Athavale was also excited when previous grads came to see him about post-secondary schools.

"They said they never had anyone here before to offer this type of support and, as a result, they are interested."

Athavale says the students are looking at continuing their education in the sense of long-term goals and planning, not just going out and taking a course.

"We have three, possibly four students going to take heavy-equipment mechanics and one is looking at staying on and taking the business portion after that.

"Then he'd be able to come home and offer those services in the Kivalliq."