 |
|
|
|
|
|
Good grades and perseverance Sheena Linda Airut one of 19 graduates from Ataguttaaluk High School in IglulikJeanne Gagnon Northern News Services Published Friday, Nov. 2, 2012
Airut is one of 19 students who graduated from Ataguttaaluk High School in Iglulik. She and Sippora Amarualik could not attend the Oct. 19 ceremony with the other 17 graduates – Rita Alaralak, Roland Colin Alorut, Candie Issigaitok, Trevor Evaluardjuk, Dennis Kangok, Thomas Attagutalukutuk, Jeffrey Qanatsiaq, Mike-James Arnatsiaq, Louisa Kipsigak, Samantha Mikki, Maata Irqittuq, Tai Haulli Awa, Amber Angutautok, Chantal Arnatsiaq, Isaiah Patterk, James Kripanik and Jakob Kublu. Airut received the Governor General's Academic Medal as she graduated with the highest academic average. At the high school level, students are awarded a bronze medal. "Not attending the ceremony, I felt left out but when they told me I got the Governor General award, I felt special," she said. "I was so surprised I was speechless." The 20-year-old celebrated her achievement with her friends in Ottawa, where she is currently enrolled at Nunavut Sivuniksavut. She said she will likely return to Iglulik once she has completed her one year of studies. "I'd like to become an Inuktitut teacher. I don't want to lose my Inuktitut language," said Airut. Born and raised in Iglulik, Airut is the first out of her 12 siblings to graduate high school. She said she thinks her achievement might inspire them to graduate also. "I just tell them not to give up and just do the work, even if they're not comfortable being in school all day," said Airut. "I know they are very proud of me." Ataguttaaluk High School principal Sean Broderick was also proud of Airut. "We're very proud of Linda's achievement of graduating and winning the Governor General's award in our school," he said. "She's an example for our students what you can do if you put your mind to what you're doing and work hard."
|
