But hard work, dedication and an outstanding grade point average earned him one of the nation's top academic awards.

The Governor General's Collegiate Bronze Medal is awarded to an institution's top achiever, and with an average grade above 90 per cent, Allaire won that distinction.

Education Minister Jake Ootes was on hand at the Yellowknife campus to help present the award.

"Sometimes it's extremely difficult to advance from the work level back to the studies level, so he's to be admired on all levels," said Ootes.

"Excellence is important in the college system in the NWT."

Allaire graduated from the two-year natural resources technology program, which he began in August of 2000.

Earl Jacobson, Aurora College board of governors chair, said the achievement is notable.

"The (natural resources) program is one of the college's most academic achieving programs," he said.

Allaire has been a forest technician with the department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development for a number of years. He said he went back to school to help advance his career.

He asked his son to go to school with him and they took the same classes and the same program.

"It was great. We helped each other out," said Allaire.