Mere Ramasei was lost for words after she was announced the dux of St Joseph the Worker Primary School in Naulu on Thursday.
Proud mother Seini Ramasei said: “She sacrificed netball so she can focus on her study and to witness her success, proves that her sacrifice was worth it.
“We are all so happy for her because she has done our family proud.”
Mere Ramasei is originally from Navala Village in Ba and she is the second youngest of four siblings. She wants to become a scientist in the future.
Mere is one of the 119 students who graduated from the school yesterday.
The 13-year-old said: “I never expected this award but to finally be the school dux of 2015 is just amazing.
“This award means a lot as it shows my hard work has finally paid off.
“I thank the Almighty for his blessings, my parents for their support and my school mates for giving me a tough competition in school and to my teachers who helped me all throughout the year,” she said.
She will attend St Joseph’s Secondary School next year.