Oopik Aglukark of John Arnalukjuak High School in Arviat captured the female award, while Douglas Aggark of Victor Sammurtok School in Chester took the male award.

Grade 12 student Douglas Aggark of Victor Sammurtok School in Chesterfield Inlet was announced as the 2009 male winner of the Kivalliq Science Educators Community's Regional Science Award this past week. - photo courtesy of Glen Brocklebank

The awards are sponsored by the Kivalliq Science Educators Community.

The awards are given to graduating students who demonstrate effort and achievement in science subjects, participation in school and regional science fairs and camps, as well as interest in pursuing post-secondary education in a science-related field.

The winners receive a certificate, laptop and backpack.

Aglukark plans on attending university this coming fall to begin her quest to become a doctor.

She was nominated by her science teacher, Helen Baker, who describes her as a model student who demonstrates initiative.

Aggark was nominated by teacher Glen Brocklebank, who described him as a great leader in the field of science and an inspiration for younger students to achieve success in school.

Brocklebank said he holds Aggark in very high regard as a student and role model to other youth.

"Douglas is working on a higher level," said Brocklebank.

"He possesses critical thinking skills and has a great sense of humour.

"He's a past student council president who really values Inuit traditions, but also wants to get post-secondary instruction because he's thinking about the world, not just Chester."

Aggark said he didn't know he was nominated for the award and was very excited to learn he had won.

"I enjoyed science the most because it always came easier to me than the other classes I took," said Aggark.

"It also had more activities than other subjects and I enjoy hands-on work."

Aggark, 17, said he's applying for an apprenticeship with the Qulliq Energy Corp.

He said he'd be happy to train as a mechanic, electrician or lineman.

"I like working with my hands, so I'd enjoy any of those careers.

"Science helped me a lot, and there's a lot of pride in our school because our students always do so well at the science fairs.

"I'd like to see even more students work really hard on their projects and get to represent our school at the Canada-Wide Science Fair."