ARVIAT/BAKER LAKE - Two of the Kivalliq's brightest young graduates recently received awards from the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation to help with post-secondary education.

Paula Rumbolt of Baker Lake was a Territorial Excellence Award winner, while Arviat's Jon Pameolik won a Local Excellence Award.

Jon Pameolik received a Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation award and a TD Canada Trust Scholarship during his Grade 12 year at Arviat's John Arnalukjuak high school. - photo courtesy of Gord Billard

Pameolik said while he was happy to receive the $4,000 Millennium Scholarship, he was blown away this past month when he found out he had won a TD Canada Trust Scholarship.

That scholarship can be worth up to $60,000 over a four-year period.

Pameolik was also named the male science award winner by the Kivalliq Science Educators Community in 2008.

The Grade 12 graduate will be leaving his cap and gown behind to attend Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ont., where he will begin to pursue a two-year program in electrical engineering this September.

"I looked at many schools before finally deciding on Mohawk College because of the good programs it offers," said Pameolik.

"I knew a lot of people applied for the TD scholarship, but I did feel like I had a chance.

"It was such a relief when I did get it because it will pay my college tuition."

Pameolik, 18, has always had an interest in electrical gadgets and enjoys working with his hands.

He said he expects to be quite emotional when it's time to depart for Hamilton.

"I'm not worried about being away from home, but I know my family and friends are going to miss me.

"I'm too excited to worry about anything.

"My family is excited for me, but it's also hard for them to let me go for a few years and I understand that."

Pameolik said he hopes to find a summer job in Arviat and is looking forward to the John Arnalukjuak high school graduation.

He said as hard as he worked on his studies, he didn't feel that much pressure during his final two years of high school.

"I took each day as it came and hoped for the best by keeping my fingers crossed that if I got good marks, the rest would work out.

"I plan to live in Nunavut when I finish my education.

"This is my home and I don't really have much interest in living in the south after I finish school."

Paula Rumbolt is regarded in Baker as a top student and athlete with a well-rounded personality.

Her Territorial Excellence Award from the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation will pay $4,000 towards her studies at any university or college, renewable to a maximum of $16,000.

Rumbolt has been actively involved in her community and abroad for years as a participant in the Northern Youth Abroad Program (NYAP) - in both the Canadian and International Phase - and as a member of Baker's Tahiuqtit Youth Committee.

She was also a participant in the national Forum for Young Canadians, during which time she overcame her fear of public speaking by practising speeches in front of fellow students.

Rumbolt, who soon turns 18, will attend the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Program in Ottawa, Ont., following her Grade 12 graduation at Jonah Amitnaaq secondary school this coming August, and hopes to eventually have a career in photography.

She said she was surprised and very excited when she found out she had been awarded the scholarship.

"I found out about the scholarship on the Internet at studentawards.com," said Rumbolt.

"I got the application form on the website and went from there."

Rumbolt said she's always liked helping others and enjoyed her time in the NYAP.

She said it's important for people to do as much as they can to help improve the lives of others.

"I've always tried to be involved with as much as I can because I like to try and make a difference.

"It's worth it if you can make a difference in a few people's lives, whether it's in your community, somewhere in Canada or even the world.

"It's just important to do your best to help.

"I don't think that will ever change about me."

Rumbolt said if she's successful in becoming a photographer, she intends to earn her living in Nunavut.

"My family is happy for me, but they don't want me to go away.

"I need to go for my education, but when I'm done I'll probably come back to Baker because it's home."