School recognizes its volunteers
Honours those who help out with Eagles and Wolves designation
Shawn Giilck
Northern News Services
Thursday, May 7, 2015
INUVIK
If you can fly like an eagle or run like a wolf, East Three might have a place for you.
Sports enthusiast Stacey Christie is welcomed to the secondary school's ranks of honorary Eagles on May 5 by East Three principal Deb Reid. The program provides recognition to some of the many volunteers who offer their services to the school. - photo courtesy of Deborah Reid
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Both wings of the schools have been selecting "honorary Eagles and Wolves" for the last two years or so. It's a way of recognizing some of the non-staff members who are helping to shape the school into something special, according to principal Deb Reid, who introduced the program.
The volunteers who help out at the schools in various capacities would be virtually impossible to replace, Reid said, and they deserve the recognition the program gives them.
She began the local program by naming several honorary Eagles - the moniker of the school's athletic teams - before expanding it to the elementary side's Wolves.
It's a model she worked with at a previous position in the NWT, and one that met with enormous success.
"The honorary Eagle and honorary Wolf awards are given out to people in the community who help our school," Reid explained. "They are nominated by staff members and students."
The nominees are "given a little certificate and a posting on Facebook," she said. "Last year we honoured members at the assembly and we try to honour them at an assembly as well."
The latest inductee to be announced as an honorary Eagle is Stacey Christie, one of Inuvik's best all-round athletes and a regular volunteer at the school.
She joins other notables as an honorary Eagle, including Steve Cockney and Donald Kuptana for their work promoting the Northern Games, respected Gwich'in elder Winston Moses and Charlie Kasook.
The first honorary Wolves were Emma Dick, and Angus and Frieda Alunik.
The Aluniks are particularly well-known for their work in providing opportunities for the students to learn traditional skills, in which they are masters. They've also worked with various other organizations doing the same kind of work.
Reid said the selection of Winston was also a personal favourite. He spoke to the students in an end-of-school address last year that "went over very well."
Stacey was a bit reluctant to do an interview, but said her nomination "was a very pleasant surprise."
"I am happy to help out and volunteer and to see the youth participate in sports," Christie added. "I have been coaching here since 2009. I personally enjoy the skill development part over coaching."
She's been especially focused on coaching and teaching volleyball, which has been her favourite sport over the years.
"I've been working with the youth in the gym... and it's a lot of fun and it helps keep me active," Christie said. "Volleyball in particular has been my passion sport. I simply enjoy it."
Reid said she expects to make one more selection of a honorary Wolf before the end of this school year.
