IQALUIT - It wasn't easy, but they did it.

Students in Nunavut Arctic College's certificate and diploma programs donned their deep blue caps and gowns for a well-deserved graduation ceremony on April 19.

Katauga Saila gets a hug from her 10-year-old daughter Ovilu at the Nunavut Arctic College graduation ceremony in Iqaluit on April 19. Saila, a student in the interpreter/translator program, won a $5,000 scholarship from Nunavut News/North and a bursary from the Association des francophones du Nunavut. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo Award Winners: Nunatta Elder Hostel Award (for a high level of commitment) - Mary Etuangat and Leah Kilabuk Keith Rawlings Memorial Award (for the most deserving first-year arts and crafts student) - Eva Eseemailee JWG Jewelry and Metalwork Award - Alie Kippomee NAC Second Year Award (for the most improved student) - Jolly Kelly Environmental Technology Student of the Year - Maurice Guimond

In order to pass their classes, many endured hardships such as being away from family. That was the first thing that Helen Oman mentioned when discussing the trials of going back to school. She was fortunate to have her husband and two children accompany her to Iqaluit, but she was still frequently on computer chat lines with extended family back home in Baker Lake, she said with a smile.

Oman earned her college foundation certificate. For her, like for most of her classmates, it's a stepping stone to higher learning. Expecting another child, she is taking a year off and is thinking about going into nursing after that, she said.

For Saizula Putuguq, another college foundation student, the greatest difficulty came in the form of science, specifically chemistry. She got through it somehow - the exact details remain a mystery.

"It's top secret," Cape Dorset's Putuguq said, laughing. "I'm not allowed to tell how I got through chemistry."

She plans to tackle the Teacher Education Program next, she added.

Valedictorian Delphine Shouldice mentioned another challenge for many students: learning to manage money throughout the school year. Shouldice kept her valedictory address short as promised because it was unmercifully hot in the gym at the old residence (many grads used their programmes to fan themselves all afternoon).

Although her hand shook as she occasionally read from her notes, Shouldice, who was introduced as being a very pleasant student, injected humour into her speech. She told her peers that they'll be finding jobs now, so there will be no more weeknight trips to the Legion. She also made a point of noting that she and her hairdressing classmates consider hairdressing a valuable skill, one that can even make Ed Picco, the minister of education look good. Sitting in the front row, Picco shared in the audience's laughter at the remark.

"But the important thing is that tomorrow is brighter for us all," said Shouldice, who later revealed that she is bound for Winnipeg to cut and style hair for the summer.

Pond Inlet's Alie Kippomee completed the first year of the jewelry and metalwork program.

"I wanted people to get to know me more as a carver and a jeweler," said Kippomee, standing in the gym resplendent in blue and white balloons and streamers and with banners reading, "Congratulations graduates. We made it, yahoo!"

Others received certification in environmental technology, office administration, pre-trades, early childhood education and language and culture programs.

The spring convocation for the diploma and certificate programs was the final one for Mac Clendenning, president of Nunavut Arctic College, who served for five years. He and his wife are heading back to New Brunswick, but not without thanking Nunavummiut for their hospitality, he said.

"I can assure you we'll take many fond memories of Nunavut home with us," he said, adding that the graduates give him confidence that the future holds great things in store.