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Making a difference Emotions run high as Rankin kindergarten teacher recognizedDarrell Greer Northern News Services Published Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Close to the entire student body of about 275 sat on the gym floor waiting to hear why a special assembly had been called. Minutes later, the gym exploded with squeals of delight as popular kindergarten teacher Carrie Stevenson was announced as the co-winner of the Making A Difference initiative along with her former student, Ian Kappi. LUS principal Sarah Ayaruak said Nunavut students are asked to submit the name of a teacher they feel is making a difference each year and why. Kappi wrote about Stevenson, his teacher of the previous year, and why she made such an impact upon him. Stevenson received an iPod along with the accolades, while Kappi won an iPad for submitting the name of the winning teacher. Ayaruak said Stevenson's win meant a lot to the entire school staff. She said staff members are like family at LUS. "It was all very emotional from the time the prizes were dropped off to me," said Ayaruak. "Carrie is very caring, so it meant a lot to all of us at the school, including many of the students, to see her win." Ayaruak said while Stevenson is more than deserving of the recognition, she was still surprised, and a little shocked, to get the news because no LUS teacher had ever won the award before. She said not really expecting someone at LUS to win a territory-wide initiative made Stevenson's recognition even that much more special. "It was shocking for everybody, but very, very gratifying at the same time. "After we presented them with the awards, Carrie went on the microphone to thank all the students she's taught at the school. "She was very emotional, and said she really does care a great deal for the students she teaches, and that makes this so special. "The kids were really excited over this, especially Ian who pumped his arms in the air with the biggest smile on his face when he heard his name called."
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