School’s out, as Kuujjuaq celebrates its grads

Jaanimmarik grad Elena Nassak, in red, with friend Navarana Kleist, in white, were among the 105 students who came to the school’s first prom on June 16. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA GLAZER)

Jeannie Gordon and Elena Mesher, students at Jaanimmarik School in Kuujjuaq, are all dressed up for their school’s June 16 prom, More than 100 secondary students attended the event which featured a DJ and a revolving disco ball suspended from the ceiling. (PHOTO BY ANDREA GLAZER)

This week students at Kuujjuaq’s Jaanimmarik school ended their school year in style.

More than 100 secondary (high) school students put on their best outfits for their school’s June 16 prom — the school’s first-ever prom, and an event that students lobbied for during the school year.

No admission was charged to the prom, which took place in the school gym, where students danced until midnight to music provided by a volunteer DJ.

Other volunteers served up cookies and punch to the crowd.

“Behaviour was outstanding, fun was had, and it was a great night,” said vice-principal Andrea Glazer, sending out a special thank-you to the teachers and other volunteers at the prom.

Before the prom, Jaanimmarik held graduation ceremonies for 17 students, whose plans for the future include college studies, training courses and jobs.

In the past, Jaanimmarik’s graduation ceremonies featured only one address from the class valedictorian, its top graduating student.

This year, each graduating student had the chance to get up and talk about their school experience and their future.

And that worked, said Glazer — with students speaking in English or Inuktitut to their friends, family members and teachers.

One student emotionally thanked teacher Cyril Boone for turning her around as a student and helping her to stay in school.

If we keep trying and working, our dreams won’t turn to dust, was her message to the gathering.

Graduates from the school’s French-language sector included:

• Daniel Adams — studying to be an electrician in Quebec or at Inukjuak’s technical and vocational school;

• Ida Gordon — training to be a heavy equipment operator;

• David Gordon — training to be a mechanic or playing hockey for an American hockey team;

• Josie Nulukie — training to be an electrician or mechanic Inukjuak’s technical and vocational school;

• Robert Rochefort and Sylvia Bibeau — heading off to Collège Marie-Victorin in Montreal;

• Mary Saunders — studying to be a designer;

• Ned Snowball — working for the Northern Village of Tasiujaq; and,

• Kris Tukkiapik— going for pilot training in Cornwall,

Graduates from the school’s English sector included:

• Stacey Ningiuruvik-Turner, Johnny Berthe Jr, Elena Nassak, Danielle Fox — heading off to John Abbott College near Montreal

• Nekella Gordon — working

• Leanna Greig — going to Secondary 6 in Kangiqsujuaq to improve her French;

• Robert McLay — working; and,

• Uttuqi Tukkiapik — who plans to take a year off.

Robert Rochefort received the Governor General’s academic medal for the highest academic achievement in Secondary 4 and 5.

Air Inuit Awards went to Sylvia Bibeau, Uttuqi Tukkiapik, and Kris Tukkiapik.

At the awards ceremony on June 15:

• Elena Nassak and Kris Tukkiapik earned awards for highest achievement in Inuktitut;

• Athlete of the Year awards went to Ned Snowball and Elena Nassak;

• Elena Nassak received a certificate for the highest average in her sector;

• Uttuqi Tukkiapik got a certificate for “Most Improved”;

• Ned Snowball was recognized for his “good nature and sense of humour;” and,

• Kris Tukkiapik received an award for outstanding attendance.

Some of Jaanimmarik school’s 17 graduates studied in French, others in English — they’re shown here, diplomas in hand, on June 16 before heading off to attend their school prom, Kuujjuaq’s first. (PHOTO BY JOE SNOWBALL)