Headgirl Nicky Waqanivalu cried yesterday because she thought of her late father. Nicky was one of the 70 prefects inducted at  Ballantine Memorial School (BMS).

“I would like to dedicate my achievements to my father who passed away when we were in Year 11. And I would like to take this wonderful opportunity to thank my mum.

“I cried today because of my father and I wished he was here to witness these wonderful achievements that we have made as sisters.

“Our late father would always tell us to serve God and listen to their advice as they are our parents and to hold on to what is good.

“To lead the school is nothing new to me as I have led the school in the past two years as deputy headgirl. To lead as its headgirl will be one of the many treasured memories I will hold dearly as this year marks the end of my school year as well.”

The 18-year-old will lead the Ballantine girls this year while her twin sister Joyce will stand as one of the house prefects for the school’s Mills House.

“I am humbled and privileged to be the headgirl of Ballantine Memorial School,” Nicky said.

“I am ready to take on the challenge and be the best leader to lead the girls to an exciting learning year and to find success in everything I do.”

The Waqanivalu twins are from Nabouwalu Village, in Kadavu.

They are the youngest in a family of six children residing in Nadera at their family home.

Nicky hopes to pursue a career as an aircraft engineer in the future.

Joyce said: “We have always been supportive of each other and we will continue to do so as sisters. That’s what we always love to do – to give in more love and support.”