Repulse Bay (May 05/04) - Senior students at Tusarvik school in Repulse Bay got a close up look at true courage this past month.

HIV-positive Vancouver native Michelle Moonen spoke to students in Grades 7 through 12 about the importance of the choices they make in their young lives.

The students also took part in a poster contest linked to the event, as well as a workshop focusing on safe sex and the spread of disease.

Funding for Moonen's visit and the poster contest was provided by the Pauktuutit Inuit Womens Association.

Teacher Pamela Kerr Benoit said the students interacted well with Moonen.

"She (Moonen) put the kids in a circle when she was talking and they were very quiet and listened the whole time," said Benoit.

"They paid attention to what she had to say and really seemed to identify with her.

"The students were always very positive and friendly around her and seemed to enjoy the sessions."

The school hosted an HIV/AIDS workshop in addition to Moonen's lectures.

The students were divided into small groups and went from station to station covering a range of topics.

Benoit said the spread-of-disease activities conducted in the science lab was the most popular station among the students.

No prejudice

She said Tusarvik school is proactive in its approach to educating students about HIV, so none of the youth were intimidated by Moonen's presence.

"The prejudices against people with AIDS don't seem to be in Repulse.

"Being worried about her having AIDS never crossed the students' minds because they've never seen anyone behave like that here.

"The entire staff was present for the event and everybody just welcomed her into the community."

Positive message

Benoit said while safe sex and the spread of disease were thoroughly covered during the workshops, Moonen made more of an impact with her talks about making the right choices in life.

"She's had some very rough times in her life, but she showed the kids how she's worked to overcome it, like coming up here to talk to them even though she's sick.

"They really connected with that and realized you can always change for the better and move on.

"No matter what your current situation, there can always be a brighter tomorrow."