NUNAVUT
For six days 32 students managed to slug their way through physical training, classroom exercises and police defensive tactics all leading up to their graduation from the RCMP V Division Youth Academy in Iqaluit on May 6.

"This week was the craziest but we persevered through the struggles and obstacles," said Angeline Ivalu, a Grade 11 student from Iglulik who was also named the valedictorian.

She was one of the three dozen high school students between the ages of 16 to 21 from across the territory who took part in the second annual police academy.

Designed to be like RCMP training at the depot division in Regina, Sask., the students took part in physical fitness, drills, learned basic officer safety and police defensive tactics.

Their days would start at 5:30 a.m. with physical training. This would be followed by time in the classroom from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then drill classes in the evening.

Three officers from depot and Ottawa led the academy. They were Const. Scott Williamson, Cpl. Jennifer McLean-Cutler and Cpl. Dale Sinclair.

At the graduation ceremony, the students demonstrated their bed-making skills. Their beds had to have hospital corners and a smooth surface with no wrinkles. A hanger was used to measure the width at the top of the fold and distance of the sheets from the top of the mattress. If an error was made their beds were taken apart.

Sitting in the audience was Nunavut's Commissioner Edna Elias.

She said she very impressed with the students and added she hopes the students will take back the lessons they learned to their communities and try to make a difference.

"You have very strong voices that do get noticed and will be heard," Elias said.

She also advised them to "stay on the good path" and to continue to make healthy lifestyle choices.

At the end of the week while everyone performed well, two awards were given out to individuals who demonstrated the core of values of the RCMP. The values include honesty, integrity, professionalism, compassion, accountability and respect.

The first award was given to Ivalu and the second went to William McWilliam.

Ivalu said she was very surprised to receive the award.

"In the end we are a team and most importantly we have built bonds and friendships," she said.

Near the end of the ceremony, Chief Supt. Steve McVarnock reminded the students their time at the academy could be used as a springboard and a way of helping them get into the force.

He said four of the students who took part in the academy last year are going to be employed this summer with the RCMP as summer students.

Like the students participating, this was the first youth academy graduation ceremony Commissioner William Elliott said he had attended.

"You've become part of the police family," he said, reminding the students "the police are the community and the community are the police."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.