Nishika Prasad was excited when she received the Dux Award at Navoalevu Primary School in Wainikoro outside Labasa town yesterday.

The 13-year-old headgirl said she was confident to scoop this award as she prepared well for her exams.

“I have sacrificed so many hours of sleep and leisure time just to receive this award,” Nishika said.

“After school I would quickly walk home, freshen up and immediately start my study.

“I would only sleep for four hours and then wake up in the morning to study again.”

The eldest of two siblings, the Year Eight student scored 530 out of 600 in the annual examination.

She dedicated the award to her parents and teachers for their continuous love and support.

“Without them I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my dream.

“I will continue to work very hard as I aspire to become a nurse to help my family and the people of Wainikoro,” Nishika said.

American volunteer for the Ministry of Health Jamie Rosencrans, who was the chief guest at the prizegiving, urged parents to invest their money and time in their children’s education.

“Education is never a waste of time or money,” Ms Rosencrans said.

“It is the parents’ responsibility to work together with the teachers to provide an education for their children.

“Education in Fiji is advancing and creating more importance for children to gain more knowledge,” she added.

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