KIVALLIQ
A student from Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet and Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik in Rankin Inlet won the Kivalliq's most prestigious science award this past week.

A project on music and concentration was one of the science credentials compiled by Kayla Bruce of Rankin Inlet on her way to becoming female science student of the year this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Brandon Ipkarnerk of Chester and Kayla Bruce of Rankin were named 2011 male and female science students of the year, respectively, by the Kivalliq Science Educator's Community (KSEC).

The winners receive a certificate, laptop, backpack and colour printer/scanner.

Ipkarnerk participated in the Kivalliq Regional Science Culture Camp in 2009 and 2011, and won the AgnicoEagle Award for top senior project at the Kivalliq Regional Science Fair for his work on concentration and basketball skills.

Ipkarnerk plans to attend Red River College in Winnipeg this fall.

He said he was surprised and excited to learn he had won the KSEC award.

"Winning this award is an awesome feeling," said Ipkarnerk.

"I always liked science, but I didn't get really into it until I studied about it in basketball and other sports.

"I was surprised by how they combine and wanted to learn more."

Ipkarnerk encourages students to get involved with the annual science fair and science culture camp.

He said they're fun to take part in, and they help participants learn how to improve themselves.

"You always want to do your best and, to do that, you have to control yourself and not get angry or frustrated.

"I've always shared a laptop with my brother, so I'm glad to have one of my own."

Bruce will spend time with Canada World Youth before continuing her studies at Nunavut Arctic College (NAC).

She's taken part in both the regional science fair and science culture camp, and represented the Kivalliq in the Schools on Board Field Program in 2010, sailing through the Northwest Passage aboard a research vessel.

A presentation by Lori Tagoona got Bruce interested in Canada World Youth.

Bruce said she'll spend three months in British Columbia and three months in the Ukraine with the program.

She said science interests her because she likes learning how things work.

"Both the science fair and culture camp are good experiences because you're having fun while learning and you get to meet a lot of new people," said Bruce.

"After World Youth, I'd like to take the fur design and production program.

"Right now it's only in Iqaluit, but NAC is thinking about offering it in Rankin too.

"I was very pleased to win this award, and I definitely plan to stay in Nunavut after I finish my education."

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