Rankin Inlet/Chesterfield Inlet (Jun 14/06) - One of the longest teaching careers in the North came to end on June 8 when Rankin Inlet principal Margo Aksalnik bid a teary-eyed farewell to almost three decades in Kivillaq schools.

"During (her) years in the education system (she) has influenced many lives," said Bev Hill, vice-principal at Alaittuq middle school, which Aksalnik headed for eight years.

Former Victor Sammurtok Grade 12 graduate Rebecca Sammurtok presents Chesterfield Inlet teacher Glen Brocklebank with the 2006 Nunavut Sivuniksavut award for teaching excellence in Ottawa earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Glen Brocklebank

"She will be missed," said Aksalnik, an Ontario native who moved to the North in 1970 and spent seven years teaching in Whale Cove.

She then moved onto Rankin Inlet, where she has spent the past 19 years.

"(The time) has gone very fast," Aksalnik said. "I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Aksalnik was feted during a year-end assembly in the school's packed-to-capacity gym. Education officials presented her with mugs, an apron - the first time Aksalnik has owned one - and a framed tableau featuring pictures of all three Rankin schools where she has taught.

She decided to call it a career when she began to see the grandchildren of some of her students in class.

"It's a happy day, but also a sad day," Aksalnik said during the assembly.

While Aksalnik was ending her career, Glen Brocklebank of Chesterfield Inlet was adding to his young teacher's resume.

Brocklebank travelled to Ottawa this past month to accept the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program's 2006 award for teaching excellence.

The ceremony was made even more special for Brocklebank when the award was presented by former Victor Sammurtok Grade 12 graduate Rebecca Sammurtok.

Brocklebank said having his name submitted for the award by Rebecca was just as flattering as being selected.

"Rebecca is a very special student and I'm honoured she thought enough of my ability to nominate me," Brocklebank said. "She, basically, sold me as the award winner to her fellow students in the Ottawa course.

"I take very little credit for Rebecca's accomplishments, however. She's worked hard to get where she's at today and I may have been responsible for five per cent of her success, at best."