Rumours, Gossip Fail to Dampen Dux Apolonia’s Spirits

She also scored the highest mark in Mathematics for the Fiji Year 12 Certificate Examination for 2017

Many of us are familiar with the gossip and rumours about someone circulating in school.

But being the subject of gossip can dampen anyone's spirits. Apolonia Mairewa heard that one too many times about her and the not too kind words that would accompany it.

But that didn't break the spirits the 18-year-old from reaching the very top when she became the dux of Lautoka Muslim College during the prizegiving on Monday night. She said she was thankful to God and her parents who taught her to forgive and forget. “Sometimes people would talk about me and spread rumours about me and the words said were very hurtful, but I thank the Lord that my parents brought me up right. They taught me how to forgive and forget,” she said.

“Usually they would tell the students to prepare a speech if they would be chosen as the dux and I underestimated myself thinking there would be someone else that

would take it,” she said. “With the support of my Year 13 girls and my family, it has made this occasion very memorable because I am very attached to the students of Lautoka Muslim College.” Apolonia also scored the highest mark in Mathematics for the Fiji Year 12 Certificate Examination for 2017 and was also a consistent student in English and Chemistry for this year.

Her mother, Alisi Mairewa, said she was happy about her daughter's achievement because it was only through the work of God The chief guest was the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Rosy Akbar.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Photo: Nicolette Chambers Lautoka Muslim College Dux for 2018, Apolonia Mairewa (middle) with her mother, Alisi Mairewa (left), and family members after receiving her award on November 12, 2018.