Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I wish to devote my Member’s statement to the graduates of 2009 in my riding of Nunakput. The names I must go through today is long, but for that I am truly proud. At graduation time, communities do gather to celebrate accomplishments of our most important resource, our youth. They are our future. This year in Mangilaluk School: Ms. Tamara Elias, Kayla Felix, Ashley Jacobson, Shaylene

Lundrigan, Jocelyn Noksana, Brian Raddi, Ashley Teddy, Margaret Thrasher and Ryan Walker. Mr. Speaker, this young graduate student Ryan Walker never missed a day from K to 12 in the school.

---Applause

Just for me, going to school is a big thing but this young man is truly a really devoted student.

At Helen Kalvak School, this past last weekend I attended the graduation of Margaret Akoakhion, Patrick Akhiaktak, Violet Kimiksana, Steven Kuptana, Tyler Inuktalik and hello to Patrick Joss if you are watching, Patrick.

At Samuel Hearne, students this year are: Shayne Cockney from Tuk, Christine Esau from Sachs Harbour, Amber-Joy Gruben from Tuk and my daughter Chelsey Jacobson. I only have eight more kids in my house to push through school before they all graduate.

I also wish to add my admiration and appreciation for all the DEAs and education staff in the Beaufort-Delta and the Nunakput communities and the DEAs. Our graduation numbers are an example of that hard work, dedication and devotion of all these people in the communities is working. We all recognize increasing importance of education in ensuring the future of our people, our region and our Territory in this ever changing world. I am proud to be their MLA and I am proud to honour them today, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.