Chesterfield Inlet (Sep 01/04) - The virtues of education are coming to light in the community of Chesterfield Inlet, after Victor Sammurtok school produced its largest graduating class ever this month.

Five Grade 12 students stepped up to receive their diplomas Aug. 20 in front of a packed gymnasium filled with friends and family.

The graduates were Billy Inukshuk, Emiline Inukshuk, Fernando Sammurtok, Blair Tautu and Serena Ippiak.

That's big news for the community, said Glen Brocklebank, a teacher at the school. Last year, four grads walked out the school doors with diplomas. That means the high school has produced nine graduates so far.

"People now realize that they can do it in Chesterfield Inlet," said Brocklebank.

"Education is becoming more of a partnership, a community thing," said the teacher, who has been a major motivator in the education movement.

"People realize that both the community and the school want them to graduate," he said.

That support was apparent at Friday's ceremony, as each graduate spoke to the crowd, many with tears in their eyes.

In her speech, Ippiak urged the audience to embrace education for their families, challenging them to take on the feat.

"It was really emotional," said Brocklebank.

Ippiak was also the recipient of the Governor General's Award for academic excellence. Her 80 per cent average was the highest in her class.

Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Nunavut's member of parliament, attended the ceremony as the guest speaker.

School staff presented the graduates with watches, while the hamlet and the Chesterfield Inlet Development Corporation made presentations as well.

The celebrating didn't end with the pomp and circumstance march on Friday. The graduates and other classmates hit the dance floor for the prom Saturday, dressed to the nines for the occasion.

The school also hosted a family dinner on Sunday.

The end of the weekend was bittersweet for the teachers, who will move on to helping the class of 2004/2005 graduate from the school.

"I'm sad to see them go," said Brocklebank.

"We've watched them grow and mature and become outstanding individuals," he said.