Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Jun 20/01) - A lone drummer thumped a methodical beat down the narrow aisle between two sections of fold-out chairs.
Packing the gymnasium of Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik were the family and friends of the Grade 8 graduates who followed the drummer down the aisle last Wednesday.
Beneath streamers hung from basketball nets, elder Marie Aupilardjuk lit a Quillit with a wooden match to begin the graduation ceremony.
Forty-one students made the jump into high school. "It was exciting, my first graduation," said Joanna Nakoolak after the ceremony.
"It's going to be different in high school," said her friend and fellow graduate, Tracy Okpatauyak. "I'm going to miss everything (about grade eight)."
MUI principal Margo Aksalnik said this was the first Grade 8 class to graduate with a ceremony in the school. She said it will become a yearly event.
"There were many challenges and adjustments throughout the year," said Aksalnik, who thanked the teachers, parents and elders for making the year a success in the end.
"When drawing knowledge from elders teacher and parents, it makes the road a lot easier," she said.
"To the students moving on, face your new challenges with determination to do your best," she said.
Behind Aksalnik hung a large poster on the wall which read in colourful letters: "Moving On Up!"
Showered in camera flashes, each student received their diplomas and shook hands with their future principal at Alaittuq high school, Donald Clark -- recent recipient of the Nunavut Sivuniksavut award for teaching excellence.
In a short speech, Clark noted the number of graduates this year. "It would be great if we get 41 out of the Grade 12 program," he said.
Clark said later that 15 students graduated from high school this year and 18 last year.
The numbers are starting to rise, however. "More kids are entering high school than ever before," he said.
Clark said in his recent graduating classes more students are going to universities and colleges.
The education system still has a long way to go. Only 60 per cent or so are making it through high school, and Clark said the curriculum has to change.
"We need a vocational component as well," said Clark.
But on that Wednesday evening in Rankin Inlet, it seemed like the sky was the limit.
In all 19 students received awards for academic excellence and citizenship.
And then the lights dimmed, the glow-sticks came out and the music got loud and all the grads danced for one last time before they became high school students.
