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INUVIK - Katherine Lennie and Kendra Tingmiak's paths to becoming blossoming academics have been winding and a bit bumpy, but the co-valedictorians of this year's Inuvik Learning Centre's Completion Ceremony are determined to stay the course.

Lennie, 21, and Tingmiak, 23, are on the verge of completing social work access and university college entrance programs respectively. They will not only have their elusive high school diploma, but Tingmiak will be carrying on to pursue her dream of being a biologist and Lennie a nurse.

Learning Centre co-valedictorians Katherine Lennie, left, and Kendra Tingmiak struggle through their tearful address at the Completion Ceremony at Aurora College May 29. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photos

"It's something I really want to achieve," said Lennie.

They were among about 60 students honoured who completed seven certificate programs in a spirited and often teary celebration held at Aurora College. Most of the programs, which ranged from Trades Access to Developmental Studies, are designed so that students can upgrade to register for the matching Aurora College program while simultaneously attaining their high school diploma.

Both Lennie and Tingmiak had given up on high school in Grade 10, but for different reasons. A rebellious teen, Lennie simply had had enough and never saw herself as a student.

"I didn't think I'd ever come back to school," she said.

Tingmiak dropped out because she was pregnant and needed to look after her child. She kept trying to go back to school but the challenge of balancing motherhood with academics proved too much.

In 2007, Lennie joined the Social Work access program. She clearly recalls the demanding workload and grappling with difficult course material, from biology to chemistry.

With the help of her boyfriend, family and friends she became more focused, disciplined and her marks started to climb.

"They were always there for me at the most difficult times," said Lennie, who captured the academic diligence award for her class as well as the ATCO scholarship at the ceremony. She plans to attend Mount Royal College in Calgary to complete a general studies program before embarking on her nursing degree.

Tingmiak, who garnered the academic excellence award for the university entrance program, didn't struggle with the material. She was certain she would do well when she enrolled last September. With her son Jason Jacobson, 6, in kindergarten, she was able to find time to devote to her studies. With only one course to go, which she'll complete in September, she plans to attend university en route to becoming a biologist.

Both said they relied on their instructors for support in many ways, viewing them more as friends than as teachers.

"They're caring," said Tingmiak. "They're not like most teachers (where) you just go to class and they're your teachers. They're kind of like your friends. We're all kind of like a family."

Donna-Lynn Baskin, Aurora College computer and English instructor, taught both women and said she was amazed by the determination they had to succeed and to get involved with extracurricular activities.

"They will seek out what they need. They will come to their instructors for specific things rather than wait to have something taught to them," said Baskin. "They mapped out a very active course of their own. That's why they will be successful when they get to university."

She describes both as born leaders destined to succeed.

"They set their own goals and went for it. As instructors, we're facilitators. We get to enjoy the ride with them but they were going to be successful with or without us. It's an honour that they let us be a part of it."

For Tingmiak, she wants to be an inspiration to other young single mothers who need that extra push to further their education.

"I have lots of friends that are young teenage mothers and they keep trying to go back to school, and I just want to show them that if I can do it, then they can do it, too. They know they can do it. They just haven't tried."

Her son couldn't be more proud of his mom.

"I'm so happy because she's going to school like me," he said.