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HAY RIVER - On Jan. 29, almost 40 educators attended a Teachers Appreciation Night at the Hay River Pentecostal Church.

Education, Culture and Employment Minister Jackson Lafferty, the guest speaker at the event, said he has personal knowledge of the hard work and dedication of teachers, since his wife is one.

The minister said high school graduation rates are steadily increasing in communities across the NWT.

"It's due to the work you contribute to the schools and the sacrifices you make," he told the teachers from four schools in Hay River and one on the Hay River Reserve.

Hay River North MLA Paul Delorey and a number of other speakers thanked the teachers.

"Hay River has been blessed over the years to have a great contingent of teachers here," Delorey said.

Two students from Diamond Jenness secondary school recounted some of their fondest memories of teachers over their years growing up in various Hay River schools.

The teachers said they appreciated the recognition.

"I think it's wonderful," said Sister Margaret Ann Beaudette, literacy coach at Chief Sunrise Education Centre.

"It's nice to be appreciated," said Liz Buckley, a retired teacher who occasionally still works as a substitute.

The Teachers Appreciation Night is the continuation of an idea by Terry Rideout, a Pentecostal Church member who has also organized appreciation nights for health care workers and police officers.