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AUSUITTUQ/GRISE FIORD
Jessie Ningiuk will have memories of his high school graduation ceremony for the rest of his life, especially since the entire evening was orchestrated just for him.

Jessie Ningiuk, Grade 12, is the only student to graduate from Umimmak School this year. - photo courtesy of Cara Cormier

The Grade 12 student from Umimmak School is the hamlet's sole graduate this year.

Most of the community's 130 residents attended the ceremony at the school's gym on June 4, where Ningiuk was praised for his hard work and dedication to his

studies.

He entered the gymnasium and took a seat in the front row, followed by his grandfather Aksaarjuk Ningiuk lighting the ceremonial qulliq. A few speeches were made and Ningiuk was presented with his diploma.

"It was such a relief," Ningiuk said of the event. "I really enjoyed it. I was both excited and nervous to be up there but I'm glad the school year is finally done."

Acting principal Cara Cormier, one of Ningiuk's four teachers this year, said her student was entirely deserving of his diploma.

"He came to school and worked hard every day," she said. "He was a really motivated student. It was great to see the whole community there "

Tanya Cross, who taught Ningiuk math this year, said he is a smart and kind student who was a joy to teach.

"It was a bit of a strange situation since he was the only student, but it went really well," she said.

Last year, five students graduated from Umimmak School. The kindergarten to Grade 12 school had approximately 30 students this year.

Ningiuk said he enjoyed being the only student in Grade 12, as it gave him the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with every teacher.

"All the attention was on me and they were fantastic teachers," he said.

As for future plans, Ningiuk said he would like to become a diesel mechanic.

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