Repulse Bay (Aug 23/06) - Two students received their Grade 12 diplomas during an emotional ceremony at Tusarvik school in Repulse Bay this past Friday, Aug. 18.

Joe Jr. Angotingoar and Amy Kaludjak represent the school's Class of 2006.

Joe Jr. Angotingoar of Repulse Bay received his Grade 12 diploma this past week. - photo courtesy of Leonie Aissaoui

The entire community is always invited to the graduation and last week's ceremony was well attended.

Because Tusarvik is a small school, administrators came up with a novel idea a few years ago to add a little flair to the graduation ceremonies.

Past Tusarvik graduates, who are in the community and available for the graduation, wear different coloured gowns and lead the procession into the gym ahead of the graduating class.

The annual ritual is known as Follow my Footprints.

School principal Leonie Aissaoui said a show was presented during the graduation which highlighted the achievements of the two students throughout their young lives.

"The show started with photos of them when they were babies and ended with pictures of them as they are now in their graduation gowns," said Aissaoui.

"After the ceremony, a special invitation-only dinner was held for the graduates, their friends and family, Tusarvik staff members, local District Education Authority members and special guests."

The theme for the 2006 Tusarvik graduation was Reaching for the Stars.

Among the special guests to attend the ceremony were Jack Anawak, MLA Steve Mapsalak and Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell.

Aissaoui said people from around the community helped cook and prepare the special dinner, as did eight students who took part in a special cooking class at the school this past week.

"Joe Jr. and Amy worked very hard to get their Grade 12 diplomas and we're all very proud of them.

"We only had Amy for about a year after she moved here from Rankin, but we were impressed by how determined she was to graduate during that time."