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Despite blustering winds and snow that continued relentlessly throughout the day, three teams of high school ice carvers took part in the inaugural De Beers Inspired Ice High School Carving Challenge on Wednesday, March 15.

The Knucklebusters, made up of Urbah Syed, Emily-Ann Andrews, Melissa Clarke and Fowsiyo Mohamed from Ecole Sir John Franklin high school, scored 27 out of 30 possible points for their carving of a unicorn’s head.

The Three Musketeers + Jamal came in second with their unique carving of a two-headed ptarmigan, which earned them 20 points. Coming close behind in third place were the Frozen Pandas with a carving in their namesake, a frozen panda, which earned them 19 points.

The winning team was awarded with a trophy that will be showcased at Sir John Franklin and all participants received medallions to commemorate their participation, all made locally by Old Town Glassworks. The judges were LeeAnn Malley, an environmental data analyst with De Beers Canada; Emily Roback, Executive Director of the Long John Jamboree; and Robin Ram, from Moose FM. Before taking to the ice, the students took part in a workshop led by local artist Terry Pamplin.

The students were given six hours to create their ice masterpieces outside City Hall at the Somba K’e Civic Plaza in Yellowknife, where they remain on display. Photographs of each team will displayed on the Snow Stage for the duration of the Long John Jamboree.

The student ice carving event was designed to showcase the talent of local youth, as well as inspire them to get into the spirit of the Long John Jamboree.

“I want to reiterate my thanks to all the students for putting their all into what turned out to be an incredibly challenging day in a few different levels when it came to the size of the blocks and the weather,” said Maureen Tonge, the students’ art teacher. “I’d also like to thank the corporate sponsor De Beers and to Keith MacNeill with the Jamboree for reaching out for the amazing opportunity.”

"The Sir John students' creativity and enthusiasm showed up really well in their designs and hard work,” said Keith MacNeill. “Under worse conditions than we could have possibly imagined, they showed real tenacity and courage. Big block ice carving isn't easy, but they worked right to the end and created some new, unique works. A great first-time effort!"

Ten teams of world-class carvers will take part in De Beers Inspired Ice – NWT Ice Carving Championship during the Long John Jamboree, March 24-26. There will also be a media ice carving challenge featuring teams from local media outlets held at the jamboree site March 24.