Youngest graduate reaches top of class
Charles Niptayuk receives laptop and Governor-General's Medal for academic success
Casey Lessard
Northern News Services
Monday, June 20, 2016
KUGAARUK/PELLY BAY
With eight graduates in total, Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik in Kugaaruk had its largest ever graduating class May 31, principal Lindi Andrews said.
Charles Niptayuk, the top student at Kugaaruk's Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik, displays his high school diploma at a ceremony May 31. Niptayuk was one of eight graduates at the school. - photo courtesy of Lindi Andrews |
Charles Niptayuk, 17, soared to the top of the class.
"He made us really proud this year," said mom Ann Niptayuk, whose comments on Facebook emphasized this point.
"I am one proud and happy mama," she wrote. "Really made me (cry)."
For earning the highest average, Charles Niptayuk earned the Governor-General's Bronze Medal, which is distributed to top high school students across Canada.
The GG Bronze Medal is awarded based solely on grades. First awarded in 1873, other recipients include former prime ministers Pierre Trudeau and Kim Campbell, and Tommy Douglas, the first leader of the NDP in 1961 who is credited with introducing universal health care to Canada.
Charles also received the Community and Government Services award for his achievement in math and science. As a result, he took home a MacBook Air laptop.
"He did really well in school," Ann said. "He had the highest grades, and he's the youngest in his grade, too. He'll be turning 18 only in November."
She said she and her husband Moses did their best to raise their children well.
It appears their work paid off.
"He's a really good kid," Ann said. "Even when he was younger, he did well. He listens well and is very good at understanding things."
Charles was unavailable for an interview, having left town to take a trip on the land with a relative. His mom said he has no plans for September.
"I'm not too sure what he's going to be doing. We tried encouraging him, but he doesn't know what to do yet," she said.
Fellow graduate Shannon Kayaitok won the Kitikmeot Corporation Citizenship Award. Mary Ann Qayutinuak, Shania Nirlungayuk, Upluriaq Krejunark, Kristen Ittimangnak, Elsa Inutuinak, and Dennis Alakannuark were the other six graduates.
