RANKIN INLET - Science teacher Katharine O'Connell was recognized for her work with students in Rankin Inlet this past month.

Award-winning science teacher Katharine O'Connell, second from right, enjoys some dessert with students Karen Aggark, Hope Makpah and MaryLou Angidlik and teacher Steve Penney, clockwise from left, during the Canadawide Science Fair in Toronto this past month. - photo courtesy of Katharine O'Connell

The Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI) teacher received the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (NAPEG) Science Teaching Award during its professional development conference in Yellowknife this past month.

News of the award came as a surprise to O'Connell, who was at the Rankin airport preparing to escort a group of students on MUI's annual grad trip when principal Jesse Payne informed her of the news.

She said she had no idea she was being considered for the award and was in shock when Payne handed her NAPEG's notification letter.

"What I do at the school, I do for the students so they can be part of really great programming," said O'Connell.

"I don't do it for awards.

"I do it because it's something I really care about, believe in and feel very strongly about its importance.

"But I was honoured to receive the award and be recognized for my work."

A plaque will be sent to O'Connell in recognition of the NAPEG award, and MUI will receive $1,000 from the association to be used for science programming.

O'Connell said it's always nice to be recognized for one's efforts and, as far as surprises go, this one was pretty awesome.

She said a busy schedule prevented her from attending the ceremony, but the NAPEG organizers understood her absence.

"I had only returned from the grad trip the day before the NAPEG awards, so it would have meant getting off one plane and right back

on another to make the banquet.

"The association was hoping I'd be able to come, but understood when I couldn't.

"Because I'd just been out of the classroom, and was going to be out again later in the month to attend the Canadawide Science Fair, I was feeling bad about leaving my students so much because I don't like to be out of the classroom a lot.

"I like to be part of the various programs, but, at the same time, I need to find some type of balance and thought it would be better for my students if I skipped the banquet and stayed here."

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