Marist graduation
Adjusting to a new environment, its culture and people did not hinder Year 12 student, Christopher Minimbi from excelling in his studies.
And yesterday was a stepping stone to realizing his dreams of becoming an engineer.
The Papua New Guinea lad was named Dux of Marist Brothers High School during its annual prize-giving ceremony.
Mr Minimbi moved to Fiji with his family in 2015. The move was to pursue education opportunities for the Minimbi siblings.
Yesterday Mr Minimbi struggled to hold all his plaques and trophies and he walked to and fro to collect them. He won first prize as well as the top awards in technical drawing, chemistry and English.
He is also a keen rugby and basketball player.
“I want to thank especially my mum, my grandparents – all my family and my friends,” he said
“Also, all teachers of this school because without them there’s no school, there’s no education.”
His sister, Yuanna Minimbi, who is currently at university, said Christopher has exceeded their family’s expectations.
“Us three came together to Fiji in 2015 – at the moment half of our family is in Papua New Guinea where my father is from,” she said.
“We just wanted him to come and get an education and he’s just gone above and beyond.
“He works incredibly hard, way too hard in my opinion – but he has reaped the benefits so congratulations to him.”
Focused on attaining his engineering qualifications, Mr Minimbi said the future is dreamt by engineers.
“If we think there should be a bridge here we can make, we will build it,” he said.
“So, the future belongs to the engineers.”
The school invited current University of the South Pacific lecturers and former Marist Brothers teachers, Doctors Ledua and Benedito Waqailiti to be chief guests at the prizegiving.
Marist Brothers High School Principal, Beniamino Salacakau was almost brought to tears when addressing students and the school achievements this year.
113 Year 13 students graduated and were also farewelled yesterday.