Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 22/02) - Shirley Villeneuve's job description has changed over the years but her employer hasn't.

Villeneuve and nearly two dozen other education staff members were recognized for their long-term service at a dinner in Fort Simpson recently.

An administration clerk, Villeneuve said her co-workers and the diversity of job duties have kept her coming back.

"Nolan (Swartzentruber) is a great boss. That makes the job easier," she added.

Brian Jaffray, a curriculum consultant and database developer, is another 20-year veteran of Northern education.

"I've always loved the North. I love small towns, I love the challenge, I love the place," said Jaffray, whose wife, Terry, has been a teacher for an equal number of years.

He added that he hopes to put in another decade or two on the job.

"I certainly hope so, at least enough to get a pension, I hope," he laughed.

Doris Pellissey, a teacher with more than 20 years experience, has been teaching students in her home community of Wrigley for the past decade.

She said she had wanted to become a teacher since she was in Grade 4. She pursued her goal and went to teachers' college right after graduating from high school.

"What keeps me (going) is the enjoyment of helping my own people ... and just being a role model for the kids. I want them to do better in school," said Pellissey, who has also taught in Fort Simpson and Norman Wells. When she has a rough day on the job, she turns to exercise, she said.

"Plus you don't take things personally," she said.

"That helps."

20 years service: Jane Arychuk (Fort Providence) Shirley Villeneuve (Fort Simpson) Laura Grossetete (Fort Simpson) Brian Jaffray (Fort Simpson) Terry Jaffray (Fort Simpson) Doris Pellissey (Wrigley) Theresa Bonnetrouge (Fort Providence) Elizabeth Hanson (Fort Simpson) 15 years service: Bernice Gargan (Fort Simpson) Lenny Hill (Fort Liard) Lena Marcellais (Nahanni Butte) Mabel Nahanni (Fort Simpson) 10 years service: Gerda Hazenberg (Fort Simpson) Cathy Nahanni (Fort Simpson) Sandra Tanche (Fort Simpson) Rose Hope (Fort Simpson) Jessie Horesay (Fort Simpson) Sarah Lennie (Wrigley) Corrine Sassie (Fort Liard) Cathryn Bertrand (Nahanni Butte) Kim Hardisty (Fort Simpson) Val Gendron (Fort Simpson) Heather Elliot (formerly Fort Simpson) Donna Dahm (formerly Kakisa and Jean Marie River)