Sristi Devi, a Year Eight student of Nabekavu Primary School, joyfully received the school’s Dux Award from the Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj in Labasa yesterday.
The 13-year-old said being the headgirl and daughter of the school’s head teacher was a proud moment for her.
“Mr Maharaj was surprised to see my parents standing beside me and congratulated them,” Sristi said.
“My parents, Rajesh and Saileshni Kumar gave me a hug for making them proud.”
Sristi, who has never been absent from school, says she wants to be a doctor.
“I believe if a student lives an honest life and attends all classes throughout the year he or she would surely excel in studies without any difficulty,” Srisit said.
She also received prizes for 100 per cent attendance, first prize for Year Eight and a subject prize in the iTaukei language.
“I have great love for iTaukei language which is why I devoted much of my time in learning it and scooping the subject award,” she said.
Her mother, Mrs Kumar said Sristi could also play the harmonium and sing.
Mr Maharaj, in his address to the school, said he had been to six primary schools’ prizegiving this week in the Macuata province.
“The reason I took out time for these rural-based schools is that I want to encourage students to do well as we see them as future leaders of tomorrow,” Mr Maharaj said.