Whale Cove (Mar 16/05) - Residents of Whale Cove will get to celebrate Inuglak school's first high school graduation this year.

Principal Charlie Anderson says Grade 12 students Darryl Adjuk, Maxine Angoo and Wayne Ussak have all passed their English Alberta departmental exams.

Adjuk has already compiled enough credits to graduate.

Angoo requires a handful of non-course-specific credits to graduate, while Ussak needs to finish his Aulajaaqtut program to earn his diploma.

"We're confident Maxine and Wayne will earn the final credits they require and our first graduating class will have three students," says Anderson.

"They've worked too hard to be denied now."

Anderson says a buzz started almost immediately in the community with the news of the pending graduation.

He says a committee is being put in place this week to select a date and plan the specifics of the prom, community feast and graduation ceremonies.

"All three of these students have worked extremely hard during the past three years to amass the necessary credits to graduate.

"They earned this by staying after school to make sure they finished all their assignments on time and studying hard for their exams."

Anderson says Adjuk, Ussak and Angoo are excellent role models for every student at the school.

He says the entire community is proud of their accomplishments.

"We knew these kids were smart, but it's nice to have these exams to confirm what we're doing here with our students is working.

"It's a very challenging exam and they passed it."

The three are well-rounded individuals, with each involved with at least one school sports team and two serving on student council.

Anderson says they are the type of students he likes to see represent Inuglak at the Youth Forum, Nunavut Youth Abroad and the Youth Olympic Academy.

"They always carry themselves well and make the school proud of their efforts.

"I would characterize all three as good leaders both within the school and in the community."