Manu Aspires to Keep Elder Brother’s Golden Standard
When his eldest brother became head boy of Marist Brothers High School in 2019, Manu Buinimasi was motivated to instil in himself the same leadership qualities.
Yesterday was his turn to uphold the legacy as he walked on stage to be inducted.
The 18-year-old of Naikeleyaga Village in Kabara, Lau knows he has big shoes to fill.
“Coming into Year 9, it never crossed my mind to become the head boy. In Year 10 when my brother became head boy and head boarder, I wanted to uphold the standards he had established.
“I am the youngest of three and the one older than me was a silver badge prefect as well.
“It is now my job to uphold the reputation and standards my two brothers had set.”
Manu, who wants to be known as a humble leader and leave the school with a legacy, dedicated his achievements to his parents.
Manu wants to pursue further studies in marine engineering.
The senior deputy head boy Iowane Qalovi, 18, is ready to work with Manu and other golden badge holders to maintain discipline in the school.
“I will always be there for the head boy when the need arises and to ensure discipline is always a priority,” he said.
“We, the golden badge holders, are ready to tackle all the challenges we will face this year.”
He hails from Tokou Village in Ovalau, Lomaiviti with maternal links to Vuna in Taveuni.
The second youngest of four siblings was in tears as his mother Emi Qalovi badged him yesterday.
“It will be a moment I will look back and reflect on that all the sacrifices of my parents have not been in vain.” he said.
Ms Qalovi said that she believed her son has what it takes to fulfil his new responsibility.
“He is the first in the family to get the golden badge in this school. His two older brothers attended this school too but they were silver badge holders,” she said.
The school badged a total of 69 silver badge prefects out of which seven were gold badge prefects who will lead more than 900 students at the school.