Samoan Named Dux at Suva Grammar
Century also won awards for English, maths, physics and chemistry
TThe Samoan national was named Dux of Suva Grammar School yesterday during the school’s prizegiving in Suva. His family came in full support to cheer him on as the 17-year-old walked up the podium to receive award. Apart from the Dux award, he also received the top awards in English, maths, physics and chemistry for Year 12.
“First of all, I want to thank the Almighty for giving me the strength to overcome all odds and achieve this award, this is for my hardworking parents,” he said. “It is common that we usually get influenced by our friends to do things that aren’t good, but for me personally I think of my parents’ struggles before I make any decision that will hurt them.”
He said his parents had sacrificed a lot for him and his sibling in order for them to be educated in good schools.
“We have been in Fiji for the last three years and it has been quite difficult for us at first especially trying to adapt to the way things were done here but that we managed to fit in,” Century said.
He said one of the toughest challenges he faced throughout high school was peer pressure.
“The battle is within me, trying to make the right decisions and at the same time trying to keep my friends, but my academic performance is more important to me,” he said. “Sometimes in life we have to give up something in order to become successful.” He aimed to become a civil engineer in the future so that he could help in the development of his island home, Samoa. His father, Head of Theology and Ethics at Pacific Theological College, Reverend Dr Upolu Va’ai, said it was like dream come true for him and his family. “My children’s education is always
my priority and to witness this day is indeed a blessing for us. I give back the glory and honour to the Almighty for my son’s achievement,” he said. Edited by Naisa Koroi