Repulse Bay (May 03/06) - The community of Repulse Bay is beaming with pride after two local cadets passed their National Star Certification Exam this past month.

Trevor James (TJ) Kringayark and Denise Malliki are the first two Repulse cadets to pass the exam.

The national star program has four levels, with testing done in two stages.

Sgt. Kim Arnold, Warrant Officer Joe Davidson and Capt. Tad Nicol travelled to Repulse to administer the Level Two test on April 22 and 23.

The two cadets had passed their Level One test earlier in the year.

Cadet instructor Leonie Aissaoui said Kringayark and Malliki spent the first morning being tested on mapping, compass use and knots, before being called upon in the afternoon to teach a class and drill lesson.

Their fitness testing was held the following day.

"Once they passed their tests, an informal ceremony was held to present the two cadets with their new badges," said Aissaoui.

"We are so proud of them. They are our first cadets to complete the star program."

Kringayark plans to attend a six-week parachutist course in Cannaught, Ont., and is applying for the Mont Blanc excursion to France this coming August.

Malliki has also applied to take part in an international expedition.

Kringayark said the fitness segment was the most difficult part of the testing for him.

He said the test was gruelling because he had to meet the physical requirements demanded by the parachutist course. "I had to do seven chin-ups, 44 sit-ups, 39 push-ups, a standing long jump and run 1.6 km," said Kringayark.

"I couldn't believe it when I was told I had passed.

"Passing the test meant a lot to me because more doors are open for me now, such as the overseas expedition in Mont Blanc, France.

Malliki said passing the star program has increased her self-confidence.

She said she now realizes she can accomplish whatever she puts her mind to.

"You will certainly succeed if you always try your best, work hard and focus on what you want to accomplish," said Malliki. "I also want to encourage other cadets to do the same thing."