INUVIK - Three Samuel Hearne students have been honoured for their writing skills in a recent contest.

Maranda Blake, Grade 12, Scott Ross-Kuptana, and Kathreen Dyck, both in Grade 7, were announced as winners in a school-wide writing contest last Wednesday afternoon.

Maranda Blake, Scott Ross-Kuptana and Kathreen Dyck won awards in a writing contest at Samuel Hearne Secondary school. The students were asked to write about someone in their life that they care for. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Career development officer Brigitte Kay said students were asked to write about people who have helped them in their lives.

Blake wrote about her uncle, Charlie Blake. In her story, she said he had helped her in life and in understanding the world around her.

"For 17 years of my life he stood by me and supported me, even though we were miles away," she wrote.

"He was a loving person who always made a person laugh. He often gave me advice and encouragement. The best piece of advice he gave me was to get my education."

Blake said it was important to write about him because she still remembers the things he taught her.

"Those lessons can have an impact on you later in life," she said.

Dyck chose her best friend Brandi as her story subject.

"I wrote about how she helps me in my daily life, at school and at home," said Dyck.

Dyck wrote: "When she tells me about herself and the past, I learn new stuff. She encourages me to write stories because she thinks I'm a good writer. She doesn't make fun of me because I want to be a singer or because of my dreams."

Ross-Kuptana said his father was an easy choice for his story.

"I participated so I could tell people about how much my dad does for me," said Ross-Kuptana.

"He is always helping me with sports and makes me feel better when I feel down."

Ross-Kuptana wrote: "Even though I had problems like not making the hockey team or losing during finals at a baseball game, my dad was always there to inspire me; to try my hardest, to never give up, to always try my best and to have fun."