Head Boy Remembers Mentor Grandfather, Head Girl Overcomes HurdleThrough Mum
Laurence Nathan, 13, remembered his late grandfather when he was badged as the head boy of Saraswati Primary School in Nausori yesterday. Describing the moment as one of the happiest of his life, Laurence said he felt emotional since his grandfather (paternal) was not present to share his joy.
“Today is the fourth anniversary of my grandfather’s passing, nevertheless I take this as a blessing like achieving something my grandfather would want me to achieve,” he said.
“Grandpa always mentored mewith good values.”
Laurence was in LDS Primary School from Year One to Year Six and joined Saraswati Primary School last year.
“My parents have made it possible for me to become the head boy by imparting knowledge. They are both teachers at LDS Primary School,” he said.
His father, Gerald Nathan is the vice principal and his mother, Sarita Nathan is the Year One teacher. “Every morning they tell me to study well, to exercise the values they gave me and to apply them in real life,” Laurence said.
He wants to become a pilot in future because he loves travelling. Head girl, Phaedora Rokotuinasigana, 13, of Nakelo in Tailevu did not expect to be a head prefect because she joined the school last year. She used to attend Ratu Ravuama Memorial School in Mokani Village, Bau and after moving to Nausori, she faced many challenges.
“It was difficult to look for a school and I had to stay home for five weeks,” she said.
Phaedora said the Ministry of Education had placed her in this school.
She said her father who is an electrician in Lautoka often visited her on weekends.
“My mother is always there for me in all the ups and downs, a daily source of inspiration because even though I give up at times, she does not let me down.”
Phaedora plans to attend Natabua High School, if she gets a chance to go to Lautoka, or Adi Cakobau School, if she remains in Nausori.