Yellowknife (Apr 18/03) - It may have been something as simple as cheering a friend up or taking the time to compliment a classmate.

St. Patrick high school assistant principal Todd Stewart passes a Lamplighter candle to winner Jaclyn Ruptash.

But it made a difference in the lives of someone at St. Patrick high school.

And on Tuesday, 24 students were acknowledged for their kindness at the annual Lamplighter awards ceremony.

"These students represent the type of people we are trying to develop in the school," Michele Thoms, the master of ceremonies, told the parents, friends and classmates in attendance.

"It's a privilege to brighten up someone's day, someone's life, a difficult situation. It is an honour to be recognized as a Lamplighter."

An honourary Lamplighter was also acknowledged during the hour-long ceremony.

Sister Nancy Wales has worked in Yellowknife Catholic schools for more than 22 years. She operates the drop-in centre at the high school and is leaving for the Sisters of St. Joseph in London, Ont.

"Sister Nancy is and always has been one of our students' best advocates," said staff member Julaine Hamer.

"If you have Sister Nancy on your side, chances of you achieving your goals ... are very good."

Wales shares the honour with the 2003 Lamplighter recipients including: Lindsay McIvor, Jaclyn Ruptash, Matthew Harvey, Karen Wedel, Meaghan Shoudha, Brandon Fabien, Melanie Gueguen, Ben Zenko, Paolo Zaragoza, Vicki Marquez, Natalie Sveinsson, Annette Summerfield, Kali Brasseur, Victoria Velez, Nicole Holzer, Kadeen Ellis, Chelsea Heide, Aurora Yu, Leon Sangris, Melissa Weinkauf, Michelle Normandin, Stacey Beaulieu, Cole Marshall and Josh Bourget.

Each recipient was nominated by a peer for one or more specific acts of kindness.