INUVIK - Staff and students of Samuel Hearne are preparing for the biggest celebration of their school year - senior high graduation.

Samuel Hearne confirmed graduates Isaac Lennie, left and Noel Cockney pose in their gowns with co-ordinating teacher Angela Young, centre. The graduation ceremony is next weekend, Saturday, June 2. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Grad advisor and senior high English teacher Angela Young said the group is bigger this year than she's seen in her five years of helping the grads.

"Two students are still unconfirmed, so we could have as many as 29 grads this year," said Young.

Young said that in the previous years the ceremony was usually after the final exams. This year the gala will be held on June 2, which is before the departing students sit for their tests.

"We did it for scheduling purposes," said Young.

Young said that the ceremony used to take place before the tests when the late Cliff King was organizing the event.

"We changed it around in the last few years and tried some new things," said Young.

"But Mr. King knows best, so we've gone back to the Cliff King way of doing things."

The grad meetings began in October, said Young.

"We discussed what was needed to graduate and what the students thought about the end of school."

To end off the year and to assist in fundraising, the graduating class of 2007 is holding a "servant day" where staff and students can bid for the services of a grad student for the day.

The auction takes place on May 24, with the actual serving day to be Friday May 25.

Another "fun"draiser that is planned is the annual pie in the face auction, where a student can bid to throw a pie in the face of a teacher.

With graduation photos being taken next week, Young said the gowns are ready for the students to put on before the ceremony.

"We had to wait for the gowns before we could do any pictures," she said.

"It's all on track and it is looking good for next weekend."

Confirmed graduate Isaac Lennie has done all of his schooling in Inuvik. He summed up his feelings for graduation in one simple yet enthusiastic word, "Awesome."

Lennie said he plans on working for a year before furthering his education.

"I'll be here in town, then I want to go to university," he said. "I can't wait to graduate."

Noel Cockney is another student who is confirmed to receive his diploma from the principal on June 2.

Cockney said he is looking forward to attending school in Edmonton for police studies.

"I want to be a police officer, it's something I feel strongly about," said Cockney.

When asked where he wanted to serve as an RCMP officer, his answer was to the point.

"I'll be here in Inuvik for sure," he said.

The ceremony will be held at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex next Saturday afternoon.