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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Aurora College's branch in Fort Simpson held a celebration of learning ceremony on May 15 for adult students who participated in full-time programs during the school year.

"I think it went really well," said Barb Tsetso, summing up the year

Dean Harvey, left, presents Mary Rose Denethlon with the Darrel Antoine Memorial Award during the celebration of learning ceremony at Aurora College in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

During the last two semesters, the college offered academic studies, computers in the workplace and the traditional arts program. Some of the students were singled out for special acknowledgment at the ceremony.

Mary Rose Denethlon, a student in the traditional arts program, was presented with the Darrel Antoine Memorial Award. The award is given to students who show an eagerness and enthusiasm for learning and perseverance in overcoming personal challenges, said Tsetso, an adult educator.

"Mary Rose did awesomely in the traditional arts program," she said.

She did a wonderful job on her parka and her enthusiasm to share information showed that she obviously learned a lot, said Tsetso.

Hearing her name announced as the award's recipient came as a shock to Denethlon.

"I was surprised and happy," she said.

Denethlon, who'd never used a sewing machine before, said she enrolled in the course to learn how to sew.

"I really enjoyed it. It was fun," she said.

Denethlon is already considering coming back to complete more portions of the traditional arts program.

Travis Edda, who took academic studies, was also acknowledged at the ceremony for his academic performance over the two semesters.

Edda said he started the program in September as a way to further his education so he can get a good job.

"It felt good to be back in school," he said.

Edda said he enjoyed the math component of the program because he did well in it.

Some of Edda's work can be seen at the college. As part of ready to work North, one of the courses in academic studies, Edda sanded and painted all of the college's small tables so they'd match the new building.

"It was very nicely done and looks great," said Tsetso.

Two other students' work from that course was also on display during the ceremony.

George Tsetso and Andrew Walsh took on the challenge of making a music video.

"It took a long time," George said.

George wrote the lyrics and music for a song entitled Mackenzie River My Blues. George performed the piece while Walsh looked after the audio recording and video production.

After approximately 50 hours of work the pair had a video that displays pictures from around the area while the song plays.

The video is dedicated to the local elders.

"It turned out really nice. I was impressed by it," Walsh said.

Applications are already being accepted for the fall semester at Aurora College. Unless sufficient interest is shown in the other programs, only academic studies will be offered, Tsetso said.