Lisa Scott
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 09/05) - Anne-Mieke Cameron and the school she has run for nine years are in the national spotlight.

Maclean's magazine ranked the longtime principal of Ecole Sir John Franklin high school second among in the best principal category in its annual selection of Canada's Best Schools.

Parent Cathy Hassan said Cameron is tops in her books.

"She's always trying to think of new and innovative ways to get funding and run programs," said Hassan.

She said her son Adam, a recent Sir John grad and current engineering student at the University of Alberta, came to her with the idea of nominating Cameron for the honour in February.

They both filled in surveys, lauding Cameron and the school, especially its fine arts program.

"The school is one of the best in Canada for the variety it offers," said Cathy this week from her new home in Edmonton.

It's not just the programs, but the openness of the school that makes mother and son, who was last year's valedictorian and top ranking student, so proud.

"I wanted other people to realize the wonderful family atmosphere she provides and at the same time offers so many programs," said Cathy.

Cameron had to be shown the paragraph-long excerpt featuring in the Aug. 22 edition of the magazine. She'd skimmed over it just once.

"I'm honoured for our whole school that one person takes a moment to say, you need to stop and see that something magnificent is going on here," she said.

"I'm honoured for us all, not just for me."

From arts programs to aboriginal initiatives to the myriad of trips organized each year, Cameron says the school serves each individual.

"The young people have a chance to really nurture their talents here," she said.

In Macleans, reporter Karin Marley touches on Cameron's habit of seeing students off at the airport before any trip.

Cameron shrugs at the inclusion of the detail.

At the airport, Cameron takes a group photo and makes sure to talk with parents and the kids going to England or Cozumel or Italy.

"It just connects us. It puts a connection between us that if anything were to go wrong, I would be the one they would contact," she said.