Inuvik (Jun 09/06) - With only a few weeks of classes to go, this year's Samuel Hearne graduates have been busy preparing for the next step in their lives.

"I see this graduation as the beginning of something new," said Marcel Stringer.

Samuel Hearne student Marcel Stringer gets help adjusting his grad gown from fellow Grade 12 student Lenora DeBastien. The pair will join their classmates June 23 and 24 for the 2005-2006 graduation ceremony. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

He is one of the graduates who will be receiving a diploma later this month.

The grad class is currently preparing for the ceremony, banquet and prom on June 23 and 24.

Stringer has been in town for the past three years and said he plans on staying for another year before moving on.

"I want to apply at Grant MacEwan for police studies," he said.

Seventeen-year-old Ryan Lennie is another grad who has big plans for his future.

"I've applied to the University of Calgary for environmental sciences," said Lennie.

The books have been stacked all year, and Lennie's glad to be near the end of the pile.

Sponsor teacher Angela Young has been working closely with the grads, along with senior high science teacher Stacy Applejohn.

"We've spent the whole year planning for this event," said Young.

Fundraisers, like a servant auction of the graduates, had been done earlier this year, as well as a few dances.

Decorations for the ceremony and events have now arrived at the school.

This year's theme is "The Red Carpet" and could resemble a gala Hollywood event.

Former SHSS teacher Jodie King has been chosen as the guest speaker this year.

With the decorations under control, the only element missing is the evening wear.

Stringer has his duds chosen and in transit.

"I've already ordered my suit. It's all traditional black, with a trenchcoat jacket," he said.

"It's going to look great."