KIVALLIQ - One Grade 12 graduate in each Kivalliq community was awarded a new laptop by AREVA Resources Canada during graduation ceremonies held across the region early this school year.

The company began the program in 2006 for a top local graduate when it returned to Baker Lake to resume its work on a possible uranium mine near the community.

AREVA awarded laptops in Baker for three years before expanding the program to encompass the entire region in 2009.

Barry McCallum, the company's manager of Nunavut affairs, said the criteria for selecting a winning student is given to the high school principal or graduation co-ordinator in each community.

He said the award is given based on the graduate's proficiency in math, science and Inuktitut.

"Award recipients are always happy to have their efforts recognized," said McCallum.

"The laptop has always come as a surprise to our winning graduates and, as you would expect, they've always been quite pleased to receive them.

"Very often they've gone on to a post-secondary institution, and the laptop is something they can use during their first year of studies following high school."

McCallum said it's important to AREVA to be able to acknowledge the efforts of some of the region's top students each year.

He said the more awards presented to highlight the work of Kivalliq graduates, the better.

"This program is part of being a good corporate citizen.

"We see the region's high school graduates as our future workforce, so we want them to know who we are.

"We also want to help them in their quest to further their education.

"The program has been well-received by the secondary schools in the region, because they're always pleased to have another award to present to a happy and deserving student."