The corps brought in Rankin's own NHLer, Jordin Tootoo, to review the final parade and participate in the awards ceremony.

Instructor Ben Porter presents the Fitness Award to Cadet Master Cpl. Carmen Napayok, right, during a parade and award ceremony in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Commanding officer 2nd Lieut. Dorothy Tootoo said this was the most successful year since she got involved with cadets five years ago.

She said many of the cadets reached milestones this year and exceeded their past performance in the corps.

"We're just getting better and better," said Tootoo.

"Our program really benefitted this year from the number of volunteers who stepped up to help, and people pushing the envelop a little bit and being really positive.

"Everyone worked hard to get our members to buy into the team aspect of cadets this year, as opposed to the individual side of things, and the results showed.

"Our greatest success, as instructors, was getting the kids to buy into the program and wanting to excel at it."

Tootoo said community support for the cadet program has been on the rise the past few years.

She said a good part of the reason for that has been the coverage the cadets have received in the local media.

"I really want to say this because I know Kivalliq News doesn't always get the credit it deserves.

"We've received great coverage the past few years and that's very important because if we're not in our local paper, people have the tendency to forget what we're doing and what we're about.

"So, when we're featured in the newspaper - and it doesn't matter if it's us or Repulse Bay - it helps keep us in the forefront and that really helps when we're asking people to donate their time."

Tootoo said the cadets were excited to have Jordin Tootoo take part in their closing ceremony. She said it's important for them to hear from someone who comes from their community and has achieved his goals.

"Having Jordin take part in our ceremony was pretty big.

"Sure he's in the NHL, but it's important for the kids to understand he didn't just get to be an NHL star.

"It takes a lot of hard work and commitment, but Jordin is proof that kids from small communities like Rankin can realize their dreams."