Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, June 18, 2007

TUKTOYAKTUK - Two students from Mangilaluk school have earned an honorable mention at a national science fair.

Ryan Walker and Ryland Anderson, 15 and 16, won first prize at Inuvik's regional science fair on Feb.24

Their project involved going vegetarian for one month and recording changes to their bloodstream, such as a decline in cholesterol.

"We'd like to thank the local health centre. Without them none of this would be possible" said Walker, who along with Anderson underwent blood tests for the project.

Mangilaluk school principal Roman Mahnic said the students had made the community proud.

"It's very nice to see them get the credit they deserve," he said.

The students also thanked teacher Shelley Pittman, who helped them prepare their presentation. When asked if they would compete next year, both enthusiastically said they would.

This would continue a successful career for Anderson, who in 2003 built a reproduction of a phonograph and travelled to Calgary for another science fair.

While both students are interested in science, they said they are planning on very different careers.

Anderson said he would like to become a pilot, while Walker said he'd like to pursue forensic sciences.

The Canada Wide Science Fair was held in Truro, Nova-Scotia May 12 to 20, and was attended by more than 500 young scientists.

According to Mahnic, this was the first time any students from the Northwest Territories have placed in the competition's Senior Division.