INUVIK
While it wasn't the biggest event of the holiday season, the Christmas Coffeehouse put on by East Three Secondary School was a concert with a distinct advantage.

The East Three Staff Choir join in the festivities by singing Jingle Bell Rock at the Christmas Coffeehouse Dec. 9. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

While familiar faces graced the stage throughout the evening, most of the performers were students at the school itself.

"The high school doesn't have a pageant or anything, so we wanted to do something special," said Sharla Greenland, a co-organizer of the event with Paula Guy. "It's for staff and students, but also the whole community."

About 100 people turned out for the intimate show where students sang Christmas favourites and teachers performed with humour to thunderous applause.

Greenland said that while there are a lot of holiday events in town, the school didn't want to duplicate anything. The coffeehouse started six years ago and has been largely student-led since the very beginning.

"The students have been involved in every part of this," she said. "Right down to the wonderful decorations by Kristen Elias. It's wonderful to have so many of our students here tonight. We've had great participation."

The coffee part of the coffeehouse was provided by the baking skills club, which also made all kinds of treats available for sale to support their ongoing activities.

Mayor Jim McDonald was on hand to take in the show, having just heard about the concert earlier that evening. He was impressed with the set up as well as the music.

"It's a good gathering, a good turnout, that's nice to see," he said. "It looks like there's a lot of talent here."

Still, Greenland sees room for more.

"We're still making a name for ourselves, but the environment is what it's supposed to be," said Greenland. "It's very informal, very relaxed. I hope it continues. It would be great to have even more students, it's so great to showcase them."

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