Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Aug 08/01) - Arviat's Qitiqliq high school produced a baker's dozen worth of graduates for the second straight year at its graduation ceremonies earlier this summer.

High school arts teacher Crystal Burgess says not only is it encouraging to see the number of high school graduates staying in the double digits, but also the number of female students among the graduates.

"We had three graduates -- Francine Owlijoot, Pauline Kablutsiak and Shannon Okatsiak -- who are also mothers and they showed a tremendous amount of dedication in earning their diplomas," says Burgess.

"We have students already accepted into the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program in Ottawa this September and another into St. Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia, so the future is bright for these grads."

Many in the community say the 2001 graduation was one of the best organized ceremonies in the hamlet's history, giving credit to the graduating class and teacher Jeanette Gallant for their efforts.

The class (Francine Owlijoot, Serena Siksik, Jo Ellen Pameolik, Pauline Kablutsiak, Norma Jean Owlijoot, May Tagalik, Tommy Misheralak, Shannon Okatsiak, Heather and Fiona Main, Jonathan Kigusiutnak, Andrew Panigoniak and Karen Panigoniak) was well motivated in planning its graduation ceremonies, including thank you cards, special lighting at the prom and stunning yellow graduation gowns.

Burgess says not only have the graduating classes of the past few years been larger in Arviat, the students are also among the most well-rounded the local school system has ever produced.

"The students are strong academically and their life skills have improved greatly, as well," she says.

"The overall makeup of our graduating students has become stronger over the past few years and I think we're going to see a continuation of that in 2002.

"We have great prospects for another large graduating class in 2002 with bright futures to look forward to."