Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 04/01) - The gleam in organizer Kathryn Youngblut's eyes made her words unnecessary, but she said them anyway.

"Yes, I think it's going to be a good crowd. It's getting exciting," said Youngblut as the foyer of Sir John Franklin high school began filling with former teachers, alumni and guests of Akaitcho Hall's student body.

More than 350 people showed up to commemorate the Northern institution, which closed its doors in 1994.

Thousands of children from across the NWT and Nunavut lived at the student residence during its 36 years of existence.

As the old building is too expensive to maintain, it is widely expected that it will be torn down.

"It's ironic," said Kam Lake MLA, Tony Whitford, who was one of Akaitcho Hall's first residents.

"Surely there's some use for this place other than the bulldozer."

Former students came from as far away as Wisconsin to pay their respects. They had the opportunity to tour the old building and relive some of their memories.

"I'd forgotten the pipes crisscrossing the ceiling throughout the hall," said Philip Stobo, a former resident who now teaches in Calgary.

"I always thought the hall reminded me of a ship, and now I remember why," he added, looking at the pipes.

Students danced till the wee hours Friday at the Elks Lodge and they spent Saturday socializing and attending the banquet.

Festivities wrapped up on Canada Day with a float in the parade, and a tree-planting ceremony on the grounds of Sir John.