Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jun 14/00) - About 60 Sir John Franklin high school students received academic and technical awards during the school's annual presentation of "An Evening of Excellence," June 8.

Additionally, 118 students made this year's honour role, 128 students were on the academic award list (with 80 per cent marks or better in four subjects) and nine students were awarded scholarships for future academic pursuits.

"What's really important is that we value the academic achievements but as well, that there's a variety of awards, so that a number of students are recognized," said Yellowknife Education District #1 Superintendent, Judith Knapp, who was in attendance for the event.

One award given at the ceremony was being presented for the first time.

The Jenny Gamble-Fournier memorial award was presented to Alex Legaree for excellence in media studies and art, and carries a $500 dollar scholarship towards a related field in post-secondary studies.

Gamble-Fournier was a former Sir John graduate who succumbed to cancer last year.

Most students who were up for awards at the benefit had an inkling as to what awards they would be receiving but did not find out until their names were called.

"I'm yearbook editor this year and I'm guessing that I'm getting the yearbook scholarship," said grade 12 student, Jara Rausch.

In fact, Rausch did receive the yearbook leadership award, in addition to the citizenship and student services awards.

Nicole Roy was another student at the awards ceremony who fared exceptionally well. Roy won the engineering scholarship, sponsored by City Cabs.

"It went by very fast and it's sad that there's only five days left in the school year," Roy said, pondering what comes next now that school is just about over.

"I think now that school is finished, the big focus will be on university. I think this year's been a big success."

St. Patrick high school will be holding its student achievement awards night June 27.