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INUVIK
East 3 was officially opened Oct. 10 in front of gathered students, teachers, staff and guests. The morning celebration featured a ribbon cutting and speeches from education delegates from across the NWT.

Students Julienne Chipesia, left, and Don Gruben cut the ribbon at the East 3 grand opening ceremony on Oct. 10 as Duane Smith and Roy Cole look on. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

Julienne Chipesia and Don Gruben were the two students chosen to make the cut, one from each side of the school. Half of the ribbon will be displayed on the elementary side and the other half on the secondary side.

"Has there been a better day in the k-12 educational history than today?" asked Roy Cole, superintendent of schools.

The new school replaces both Sir Alexander Mackenzie School and Samuel Hearne Secondary School, combining levels of education into one central building.

"I know some are feeling a little bit of regret to see the old school pass on," said Duane Smith, chair of the Inuvik Community Corporation. "But the school is here for the students."

The opening celebrations didn't dwell on the history of the old schools as part of the residential school system. Instead, positive aspects were pointed out.

"There's a lot of history with the closing of the old schools," said Alfred Moses, MLA for Inuvik-Boot Lake. "In the former two schools, a lot of my good memories were formed and I met lifelong friends."

Although East 3 has been open since the beginning of the school year, there hadn't been an official marking of the new start to education in Inuvik.

Commissioner George Tuccaro presented high school principal Deborah Maguire with a Canadian flag to be flown at the front of the school.

"This is a positive change," Tuccaro said. "It will lead to a greater desire for our students to achieve success. Education is like a foundation and many Northerners will reap the benefits for years to come."

As an alumnus of both Sir Alexander Mackenzie School and Samuel Hearne Secondary School, Inuvik-Twin Lakes MLA Robert C. McLeod said he was proud to be at the opening of the East 3.

"It's a very special time," he said, speaking directly to the students. "Treat your school with respect, treat the staff with respect, treat others with respect and do East 3 proud."

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