INUVIK - The staff and students of Samuel Hearne ended their last week of school by recognizing the achievements of their best and brightest.

The entire school gathered Tuesday afternoon in the gym for the assembly.

Samuel Hearne's top athletes ham it up for the camera during this week's awards ceremony at the school. From left, Cullen McLeod, Karlie Robert, Aurora Williams and Geo Pascal were all recognized for their effort and accomplishments in sports. - photo courtesy of Maia Lepage

Photographer Maia Lepage was backstage, and said morale was high in the room and the students seemed proud of their accomplishments.

"You could see it in their faces, they were all really excited," she said.

The honour roll, honourable mention and the coveted principal's list were all announced as well.

Danielle Deslauriers was chosen for the principal's list, which is the school's highest academic honour.

"I didn't realize I could get so many awards for my regular school work," said Deslauriers.

"I'm very happy."

Lepage added all of the students who were called up for the principal's list were happy to be there and were proud of what they did throughout the year.

Lepage said the students deserve a day to recognize their hard work and how much they really put into their schooling.

"I've been working with the students the whole year, and they do deserve this," she said. "They worked hard and it shows."