Claudette Lagrandeur
Northern News Services

Wha Ti (July 02/01) - Being a role model is a great responsibility. People expect you to tackle difficult projects, go that extra mile no matter what the costs are, and be willing to make tough decisions.

On June 27, 2001, Wha Ti residents gathered at the Mezi Community School to honour eight such role models as they celebrated their grade 12 graduation.

The day was earmarked as an historical event because it was the first time ever that students graduated from high school in their own small community of 600 people.

The graduates/role-models were: Bernice Beaverho (Citizenship Award), Derek Beaverho (Community Award), Roberta Daniels (Professional Service Award), Larry Flunkie (Attendance Award), Jesley Nitsiza (Community Support Award), Tina Nitsiza (Community Support Award), Darla Rabesca (Academic Excellence Award), and Holly Smith (Community Support Award).

Charged with emotion, each graduate thanked members of their family, friends and teachers for their continuous support. Each student had his/her own reasons for wanting to succeed.

For Valedictorian Darla Rabesca, succeeding meant that she could further honour her brother's memory. "Adam was my best friend. My kindred spirit," said Rabesca. "He died so young he didn't have a chance to graduate. I dedicated my graduation to him."

Tina Nitsiza said she went back to school for two very special reasons. "When I looked at my two kids, I thought, How can I be a good role-model to them without an education?"

Being able to study up to grade 12 in their hometown is important to this Dogrib First Nations community. Wha Ti is situated on the South East shore of Lac La Martre and before this academic year, students had to live in Rae-Edzo to finish their high school education.

"It takes a whole community to raise one little child," Chief Charlie Jim Nitsiza reminded the audience. "We must continue. Our ancestors lived off the land, but today, it is different. You need an education to get a job. Today is very important to all of us."

Derek Beaverho said he was proud to graduate in his hometown. "It was important because the whole town gave me support. I think it's good for the young people too."

According to Principal Ted Salmon, the historical event was a big experience for the whole community. "The fact that students can now graduate from their own community is having a great effect. Older people are now talking about coming back to school to finish their studies."

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Jake Ootes, agreed. He said that the grade extensions implemented in small communities across the NWT has been very successful.

"Naturally, students prefer to stay in their own communities. The program has motivated many people to go back to school."

Ootes congratulated the students on "being a limited but growing number of NWT high school graduates." He added, "We need our young people to become our future doctors, our lawyers, to take Leon's (Lafferty) job and my job in the future."

North Slave MLA, Leon Lafferty, congratulated the students on their success and said it was also important to thank the parents and the elders as they were always there to give the kids the support they needed.