Chance to win trip to NHL game may help boost school attendance
Students in Nunavut's Kitikmeot region with 95% attendance to get chance at trip to Edmonton
First Air, Advanced Medical Solutions and reigning Stanley Cup champions the LA Kings have teamed up to encourage kids to go to school in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut.
A prize package to see an NHL game in Edmonton is up for grabs for students in the five communities who achieve a 95 per cent attendance rate between December and mid-February.
According to the Government of Nunavut, between 2007 and 2012 the region had some of the lowest attendance rates in the territory.
The contest is Collin Goyman's idea. Goyman, a paramedic based in Cambridge Bay, grew up in Nanisivik, a now-defunct mine site near Arctic Bay.
"I'm really keen on getting the kids focused on the importance of education," he said.
"I grew up in a school with 52 kids and that was seven grades. I do know the importance of school up there and the challenges of going to school in a small place like that."
Five students from each class in the region who achieve a 95 per cent attendance rate between Dec. 1 and Feb. 15 and show academic improvement will be chosen to have their names put into a draw. Two students will win a trip to Edmonton to see the L.A. Kings play the Edmonton Oilers, and get a chance to meet some of the players, such as Goyman's friend, LA Kings centre Mike Richards.
"These are really low months of attendance, speaking with the faculty and the DEA," Goyman said.
"Half the battle is the 95 per cent attendance. If you get into the classroom, well then you're in the classroom. As long as you're in the seat, then the ball is rolling."