Graduating from Cambridge BaySA国际影视传媒檚 Kiilinik High School was something of a family affair for Annica Otokiak.

Not only were there several members of her family in attendance for the ceremony, but she shared the graduation stage with her sibling, Paiden.

SA国际影视传媒淢y brother and I graduated at the same time,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚t felt really cool and sentimental for me at the same time.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think we were the only siblings to graduate together in a long time.SA国际影视传媒�

KiilinikSA国际影视传媒檚 graduation ceremony occurred on June 10. The theme of the ceremony was spring, and the school was decorated with plants and artwork to commemorate the occasion.

SA国际影视传媒淭here was a 15-foot long banner for us graduates made by the little kids at the Kullik School,SA国际影视传媒� said Annica. SA国际影视传媒淭here was about 150 to 200 people there.SA国际影视传媒�

AnnicaSA国际影视传媒檚 father, Andre Akana Otokiak, was one of those in attendance for the ceremony.

Annica and Paiden are the youngest of his five children, and the last two to graduate from high school.

SA国际影视传媒淚 am the proudest father in the world to have watched my children graduate and walk down their graduating ceremony,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Annica had a great time with her family and friends at her graduation ceremony, and did not have any difficulty picking out the highlight of the celebrations.

SA国际影视传媒淢y favourite part was throwing up my hat at the end,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Of course, there are things she will recall fondly about her time in high school.

SA国际影视传媒淚 will miss seeing my friends everyday, and my teachers,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檒l miss my socials class, because that was my favourite subject SA国际影视传媒� and mostly because of my teacher.SA国际影视传媒�

With her diploma attained, Annica now plans to take a year off to work and save money to attend college for culinary arts.

SA国际影视传媒淚 love to cook and bake,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淢y goal is to one day open my own little bakery.SA国际影视传媒�

The new graduate, who enjoys playing sports like soccer, hockey and table tennis in her free time, admits sheSA国际影视传媒檚 a bit daunted by the challenges of the real world, but after four years of high school, sheSA国际影视传媒檚 confident she will find her way eventually.

SA国际影视传媒淗onestly, I feel prepared for little things like going grocery shopping, or having to pay for my things, but I donSA国际影视传媒檛 think ISA国际影视传媒檓 prepared for the next chapter.

SA国际影视传媒淚 still feel like ISA国际影视传媒檓 13 and need help with everything, but ISA国际影视传媒檒l get there,SA国际影视传媒� she laughed.

The Otokiak siblings are two of 286 graduates in Nunavut this year SA国际影视传媒� close to a record number for the territory.

SA国际影视传媒淭he Department of Education is proud of its graduates,SA国际影视传媒� said Rebecca Hainnu, deputy minister of the Department of Education. SA国际影视传媒淭his year we have nearly the highest number of graduates ever.

SA国际影视传媒淲e will continue to strive to provide a solid bilingual education, that is based in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and societal values with modern skill sets. Since high school courses started being delivered in communities, the graduation rates have steadily increased.SA国际影视传媒�