Father Given Standing Ovation As Daughter Receives Dux Prize
Old scholar Jagdish Prasad was given a standing ovation at the Saraswati College prize giving yesterday as his 18-year-old daughter, Sheron Prasad, picked up the dux trophy.
“I am a proud father and my daughter has lived up to my expectations,” an emotional Mr Prasad said.
At the announcement of Sheron’s name, he was asked to also walk up and receive the award with her. Parents, guardians and students joined the teachers as they clapped their hands when Mr Prasad joined his daughter on stage. Looking back at his own life, Mr Prasad an old scholar in the 1980’s didn’t complete his education. He was then in Form five, but due to financial difficulties he was forced to drop back to support his parents by earning a few dollars for his family.
Since then he promised himself he would not let any financial constraints affect the education of his own children.
“Seeing my daughter receive her award and standing there with her was special, it was a memorable moment,” he said.
“But she has a long way to go and I want to see her on her own two feet the next few years, I will continue to support her.” Meanwhile, Sheron says she looks forward to joining the University of the South Pacific to pursue her studies in Accounting.
Her advice to other students is that everyone needs to go out of their way to pursue their dream. “One must know and understand the way and path they must take, go for it and show the way for others,” Sheron said.
Outstanding Student of the year
Being an average student was what many saw Orisi Vuli as in Saraswati College.
However, through the continuous support of his teachers and parents, the 18-year-old from Qamea in Taveuni scooped the most Outstanding Angel of Angels student award.
The award is given to students who go out of their way to assist teachers with extracurricular duties without complaining.
“I was often seen as an average student while taking part in a lot of school activities, and whenever teachers needed my help I would be there,” Orisi said.
“I thank my teachers and parents for their advice and motivation,” he said
The eldest of three siblings, Orisi hopes to continue his tertiary studies at the University of the South of the Pacific (USP) to do his degree in education.