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Science students win regional awards

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, May 23, 2007

REPULSE BAY - The fact Michael Putulik of Repulse Bay remains a humble young man is further testament to his outstanding character and downtoearth approach to life.

Putulik added two major awards to his rapidly expanding trophy case earlier this month when he was named the male science student of the year by the Kivalliq Science Educators Community, and Nunavut's recipient of the Tom Longboat Award for his skill on the badminton court.

While always an honour to be named as a Longboat award recipient, being announced as a winner in 2007 holds extra significance as April 19, 2007, marked the 100th anniversary of Longboat's victory at the Boston Marathon in 1907.

Longboat knocked an incredible five minutes off of the previous Boston record.

The Tom Longboat Awards were first established to recognize the achievements of gifted aboriginal athletes in 1951, two years after his death at the age of 61.

Shawna Sammurtok of Chesterfield Inlet was named as the female science winner.

Sammurtok will graduate from Victor Sammurtok school in Chester this year.

She plans to attend the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program before pursuing a degree in archaeology at Western, where she already has a scholarship.

Among Sammurtok's achievements is a bronze medal at the 2006 CanadaWide Science Fair.

Putulik graduates from Tusarvik school this year and, although he's still keeping his options open, his career plans may have changed during his final semester.

The territorialclass athlete had been leaning towards a career in wildlife, but is now looking at following in his mother's footsteps and becoming a teacher.

"The idea of becoming a teacher, especially a physicaleducation teacher, has really been appealing to me during the past year because I enjoy working with kids so much," said Putulik.

"It's a great experience to help younger kids learn and know you played a role in them being able to improve their skills."

Putulik, who represented Nunavut as an athlete and torch bearer at the 2007 Canada Winter Games, said he's looking at both the Nunavut Teacher's Education program and Red River College in Winnipeg, Man.

He said no matter what he decides, he wants to continue teaching young kids how to play better badminton.

"I've been working with kids on the badminton court, at cadets and as a volunteer at the school and I really enjoy it.

"The time I spent with them during the past year convinced me that teaching would be a rewarding career."