Yellowknife (June 06/03) - Hundreds of parents used "passports" to visit a French cafe and watch street artists, theatrical performances and even drag races last week.

They were taking part in the 13th annual Celebration of Learning at William McDonald School May 28.

The culmination of the students efforts over the past school year was presented in a fast-paced, exciting tour of the school.

The evening started out on a sentimental note as Lilly Oldham, the former principal of the school and supervisor of language instruction with the public school district, was remembered in a ceremony.

Oldham died last August. Rob Meckling, the chairperson of public relations for the school board, presented a plaque to the teachers and students to dedicate the new Lilly Oldham Library.

Parents needed to present a "passport to learning" to gain access to each room, with prizes to be won if they managed to reach all of the events the kids were organizing.

Passport officer Stephen Kruger was proud of his position while stationed at the door to the "Artists in Residence" room.

He assured me that parents were not getting off easily, but had to answer tough questions to receive their passport stamp.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem was in attendance, as well as MLAs Jake Ootes, Sandy Lee, and Tony Whitford.

They watched as the enthusiastic kids rattled off their drama presentations, in not one language, but two as the French immersion program was showcased.

It was a long day for the students and teachers, as they worked tirelessly to make sure the night was perfect.

They have bounced back from sadness this year by celebrating Lilly Oldham's contributions to the student body and French immersion, in a celebration of learning.