A young man of principle
Simon Aggark named recipient of annual Integrity Award
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
CHESTERFIELD INLET
Grade 12 student Simon Aggark was recognized as a young man of high principles at Victor Sammurtok School (VSS) in Chesterfield Inlet earlier this month.
Simon Aggark is presented with the Integrity Award by Leonie Putulik at Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Jolene Ippiak |
Aggark was presented with the prestigious Integrity Award during the school's year-end award ceremony.
The Integrity Award is in memory of Leonard Putulik, who died in 2012.
VSS teacher Glen Brocklebank said the Putulik family wanted an annual award in Leonard's memory that would be looked upon as quite special, without having anything to do with grades.
He said the award promotes the idea of a student who is never afraid to do the right thing, even when it isn't popular among his or her peers.
"Leonard was a business person known as a man of integrity in the community," said Brocklebank.
"He was also a really avid photographer, so the family provides the winning student with a brand-new, high-end camera.
"This is the second year the award has been presented at VSS, and it's already looked upon as quite the honour to win."
Aggark is known as an incredibly helpful student.
Brocklebank said Aggark is not the type of person who needs to be asked when he sees someone in need a helping hand.
He said the potential grad is well-known around VSS for his morales as well as his high standards of behaviour.
"Simon is not afraid to tell people if they're doing something wrong, even when he knows taking such a stand is not going to be popular.
"He's an all-around good person who's very thoughtful and considerate of others.
"We're all cheering for him to pass his departmental exam so he can graduate this year."
Brocklebank said the Putulik family did not want to select the winning student, so a committee of high school teachers was formed to undertake the task.
He said the committee compiles a short list of exemplary students throughout the year and decides upon the winner shortly before the awards ceremony.
"It's a task the committee
takes quite seriously, and we were very proud to name Simon as the recipient of the Integrity Award this year.
"He's a role model for students coming behind him and a very deserving winner of the award."
