INUVIK - When it comes to school, the Kaye brothers don't fool around.

Danny and Joseph, who just completed Grades 4 and 5 respectively, know the fast track to success is through education.

Jane Tetlichi with her sons Danny and Joseph Kaye, who were honoured at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School awards night on Thursday for their outstanding school attendance records. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

The boys proved their dedication to academics this year by attending every single day of school possible. Joseph missed two days, but that was because he was competing in a basketball tournament.

On Thursday the pair were recognized for their commitment at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School awards night. Along with their certificates, Danny was given a Nike watch, which he selflessly plans to give to his brother Trevor, while his big brother garnered a 10-day swimming pass.

The siblings both plan to go on to post-secondary education. After that Danny, who can't get enough of math and science, plans to open a business just like Northwind Industries' construction yard, but with a different name. He said he would choose one that honours the memory of his beloved grandfather Johnny Daniel Charlie, former chief of Fort McPherson.

"I'm sure I can do it," he said. "I'm good at building things."

Though Danny swears there's never been a morning when he has struggled to get out of bed, Joseph said there have been more than a few challenging days.

"Sometimes I'm just a little bit tired," he said. "But my mom always tell us how important education is."

Joseph's toughness and his many other qualities were not lost on his teacher Megan Thomas.

"He was a great student to have in class this year as he continuously tried his best and wanted to succeed in school," said Thomas.

"Joseph is a very loyal and honest person. He was always willing to help those around him and always was on the lookout to make sure things were equal and fair. I hope that he has just as much success in Grade 6, and congratulations on the near perfect attendance."

Their mom, Jane Tetlichi, works as a medical assistant at the hospital. A single mother, she said she also gets strength from the boys. They make a morning ritual out of rising at 6 or 7 a.m. and saying a Gwich'in prayer together before heading out to face the day.

"They encourage me to go to work every day," she said. "We do everything together."

The boys said they feel their mom's love all the time.

"She wakes us up every morning," Danny said. "She goes to work every day. She gives us allowance on Fridays."

She never has any doubt that they know her heart is always in the right place.

"As a single parent I always push them and they know it," she said. "They're wonderful kids. I love them so much."