The guy for the job
Jacob Klengenberg is always ready to lend a hand in Ulukhaktok
Kassina Ryder
Northern News Services
Monday, April 20, 2015
ULUKHAKTOK/HOLMAN
Jacob Klengenberg is the go-to guy at Helen Kalvak Elihakvik in Ulukhaktok. The Grade 9 student is always ready to help out when work needs to be done, according to his teacher Richard McKinnon.
Jacob Klengenberg, Grade 9 student at Helen Kalvak Elihakvik in Ulukhaktok, has already earned five Career and Technology Studies credits through his volunteer work at the school. - photo courtesy of Richard McKinnon
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"He's a pretty modest kid, but Jacob is one of the most reliable students we have," McKinnon said. "He's involved in making the school a good place for his fellow students."
Every day after school, Klengenberg works with the school custodian doing everything from sanitizing desks to keeping the bathrooms clean.
"We clean the whole school," he said.
The work has already earned Klengenberg five Career and Technology Studies credits toward graduation.
"He's actually doing a work term after school on his own time," McKinnon said.
During school hours, Klengenberg helps pick up and deliver supplies for the school's breakfast program.
"We head down to the Northern or Co-op Store and pick up food and stuff for the breakfast program and then bring it here," he said.
As well, Klengenberg volunteers his time on weekends whenever staff need extra help.
"Both myself and the principal, have pretty high regards for Jacob," McKinnon said.
Klengenberg is also president of the student council and a sergeant with the Junior Canadian Rangers. Being a member of the rangers gives him unique opportunities, such as the Rangers' Enhancement Training Session (ETS) in Whitehorse, he said.
"It's fun," he said. "I get to try new stuff."
In addition to his extra curricular commitments, Klengenberg travelled to Ottawa as a participant with Encounters with Canada youth program in February.
"I was in Ottawa and it was pretty awesome," he said. "I went with an RCMP group and got to see a whole bunch of stuff. We went to Parliament Hill."
Klengenberg said he is aiming to put his skills toward becoming an RCMP officer when he graduates high school.
"I've been wanting to do that since I was a little boy," he said.
McKinnon said he knows Klengenberg's commitment and determination will serve him well.
"We're pretty proud when our students do stuff like this and we're pretty proud of Jacob," he said.
