SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - From territorial licence plates to the RCMP, from Sidney Crosby to Newfoundland's Fogo Island, the topics presented by the Grades 4 and 5 students at J. H. Sissons School Wednesday at its Heritage Fair generously spanned an array of interests.

French-speaking community members volunteered to judge the 54 students standing beside 46 projects lining the walls of the gymnasium as the school prepared for the regional Heritage Fair taking place next week at Mildred Hall School.

Some students dressed up, while others had dioramas, videos and games to add to their presentations.

Jack Panayi, a Grade 5 student, chose to research and present the Dene tradition of fish-netting.

"I fish quite often. I wanted to know the history," he said.

Most students said they were quite nervous to present their project in French to judges and younger schoolmates at first, but felt it got easier as the day went on.

First-time judge Sgt. Stephane Couturie of the Royal Canadian Air Force said he was impressed to see the amount of work that went into the projects.

"It's overall excellent. You can clearly see that they put a lot of time and effort into these projects. The students are very enthusiastic," said Couturie.

Grade 5 teacher Monique Marinier said the broad spectrum of topics showed the diverse interests of the students.

"There's something for everyone," she said.

"The kids have chosen their projects because somehow, they're connected to it and they have to have that connection to express to the judges."

After next week's regional fair, selected Yellowknife representatives will move onto the pan-territorial fair, which will be held in the city in two weeks time.

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