Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Pelly Bay (Mar 17/03) - Georgina Akkak thought her teacher was so great that she wrote an essay to thank her and won a contest in the process.

The Grade 5 student goes to Kugaaruk Illiniavik school.

"Kelly is my teacher and we do fun things," said Akkak. The contest called "Thank you for making a difference" was organized by the Federation of Nunavut Teachers. It ran across the territory and was open to all students interested in participating.

The teacher that Akkak wrote about was 24-year-old Kelly Corkish.

"I was pleasantly surprised that she had written it. The students were told about the contest and told that they could nominate someone. Georgina chose to write about me," she explained.

The Grade 5/6 teacher moved to the community of Kugaaruk last August after teaching in Northern Alberta. She said to educate in the North, a teacher must be open to learning about the Inuit culture, have patience and most importantly be open to living in the North.

"The community has been very friendly and supportive towards me," said Corkish.

The part that surprised Corkish the most about the contest was winning a prize. During a teachers' conference in Baker Lake, a draw was held. The names of all those who participated in the contest were included.

Akkak was the lucky winner of an I-Mac computer and printer. With the help of her favorite teacher, Akkak already has the computer set up in her home.

Corkish won a trip for two anywhere First Air flies.

"I'm not sure what I'll do with the tickets.

"My brother and his wife may use them to come and see what it's like up here," she said.

The principal of Kugaaruk Iliiniavik, Brian Johnson, couldn't be happier. He said the contest was a great way for students to show their appreciation.

"It gives the students a chance to express how they feel about their teachers.

"It was great to see the whole thought process and detail put into it," said Johnson.