LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - When Samantha Konisenta was asked to be the valedictorian for this year's students at Aurora College in Fort Simpson she was apprehensive.

During her speech at the Celebration of Learning ceremony on May 27, Konisenta said she prepared for the task by drawing on the skills she learned during the Office Administration program about making speeches and presentations.

Samantha Konisenta, left, receives a certificate from Barb Tsetso during the Celebration of Learning ceremony for students at Aurora College in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Konisenta, who received a certificate for successfully completing the program, was one of 32 people who were recognized during the ceremony for their achievements in learning.

In his role of master of ceremonies, Grand Chief Jerry Antoine thanked the staff at Aurora College for their dedication and the students for their hard work.

"It takes commitment by the students," said Antoine.

For Konisenta the Office Administration program built on skills she'd already developed while working as the front desk receptionist at the band office in Nahanni Butte. Going back to school to further her education was easy, Konisenta said.

"It was a comfortable environment and the instructors were flexible with their time," she said.

As part of the program Konisenta spent a month doing a practicum at the Fort Simpson Health Centre.

"It was really interesting," she said.

Her responsibilities at the health centre included filing, answering phones and booking appointments.

Working with the health centre's team and assisting them with their tasks was a positive experience, she said.

Konisenta said taking the course had given her a better perspective on what she'd like to do for a career.

After taking a bookkeeping class as part of the program, Konisenta said she's interested in becoming an accountant.

For fellow student Dolores Tonka, the Construction Trades Access program has brought her one step closer to her goal of running a welding business.

"It feels good," she said.

The information on construction from the course is a good base to build on, said Tonka.

"It taught me a lot," she said.

It was a busy year at Aurora College with 50 people taking part in the seven full time programs, said Barb Tsetso, an adult educator. More than 90 others participated in part-time programs.

"Participation seems to be growing every year," said Tsetso.

Highlights of the year included the three new programs that were run at the college, Tsetso said.

For the first time the Traditional Arts and the Environmental Monitor Training programs were held in the village.

For her participation in the Traditional Arts program Helen Corneille was awarded the Darrell Antoine award. The award was established as a memorial for Antoine who died in 2007.

He showed outstanding commitment, dedication and enthusiasm for learning and the award is given yearly to a student who has the same qualities, said Tsetso.

"Helen showed great commitment to learning new skills and adding onto her skills," Tsetso said.

Fort Simpson also became the first location to run the Underground Mine Training program.

Of the 10 students who participated in the program from November to December all have gone on to further training or employment, said Tsetso.