Saraswati College Year 13 student, Shavil Sharma, wished his late mother was around to see him receive the Dux Award at their annual prizegiving day in Nasouri yesterday.

“I really miss my mother and she would have been very happy seeing me receiving this award today.

“My mother was my role model and I have learned a lot from her. She was a wonderful lady,” the 18-year-old said.

Shavil said his mother always told him to go and sleep whenever she sees him staying up too late.

“My mother always attended my annual prizegiving day and every year she told me that one day I want to see you getting the Dux Award,” Shavil said.

Being the second-eldest in the family, Shavil appreciated the work his mother had done to support him and his two other brothers.

“I have never seen such a caring, honest, kindhearted and loving person in my life.

“My mother was everything for me and I am feeling so sad that when I fulfilled her dreams she was not alive,” Shavil said.

He also received prizes for scoring the highest aggregate in Chemistry, Introduction to Technology, Mathematics, Physics and a 100 per cent attendance.

He also paid tribute to his uncle who was their guardian now after  their mother’s death. He also acknowledged his friends and teachers support for his achievement.

“My guardians are really supportive especially my uncle who supported me to achieve this Dux Award.”

Shavil’s uncle, Sunil Prasad said: “I am very proud and happy. He is a hardworking person. I have always supported Shavil and I will continue to support him with his education,” Mr Prasad said.

Shavil hopes to join University of the South Pacific (USP) next year in the mechanical engineering programme.

Feedback:  shahani.mala@fijisun.com.fj