Fort Simpson (Jun 30/06) - It may have taken 19 years, but Lucy Simon now has the graduation certificate to go with her chosen profession.

Simon, from Jean Marie River, started working as a community health worker in 1988.

On June 21, she took her place amongst the graduates at the Aurora College graduation ceremonies held at the Papal site in Fort Simpson.

A total of 53 students were honoured at the ceremony, including four graduates in both the community health worker and office administration programs.

Six participants in the camp catering program received records of achievement. Other programs given recognition included survey assistant, computers in the workplace, work readiness and bridging employment skills.

Simon was originally a camp cook by trade, but when her father became sick she took a crash course to care for him.

Starting with no formal training, she took a number of courses over the years.

For the past two-and-a-half years, she worked to complete the community health worker course.

Simon finds the work rewarding.

"We are the eyes and ears for nurses and doctors at the health centre," Simon said.

"It's a great feeling to know I can do a little bit better for my community on the health side."

Kathy Tsetso, CEO of Dehcho Health and Social Services, congratulated the community health workers and thanked them for working to provide a host of health care services.

"You are an essential part of the health care team," Tsetso told the graduates.

Chief Keyna Norwegian thanked all the graduates for being role models for the rest of the community. They have proven it's never too late to go back to school, said Norwegian.

"From this day forward, you can move on with better things in life," she said.

As the valedictorian for the office administration class, Brandee Brown thanked all their teachers and instructors and encouraged her fellow graduates to continue with their goals.

"The world awaits you and nothing can hold you back," Brown said.