A surprised Vika Nakete wept with joy after her name was called out as the Dux of Ratu Sukuna Memorial School during the prizegiving ceremony at the Civic Centre in Suva yesterday.

Miss Nakete, 18, of Yacata in Cakaudrove, who has lived a life filled with struggles, also won an award for scoring the highest grades in Economics and Accounting.

Because she was not aware that she was receiving top prizes at the ceremony, her parents missed out on the auspicious occasion.

With tears welling in her eyes as she shared her story, Miss Nakete attributed her success to her late grandfather.

She said at times she and her siblings would go without lunch to school because her parents struggled financially.

But that was not hard for her she said, because she had faced even more struggles, like studying under a candle light and more.

“My main inspiration is my grandfather. He used to sacrifice a lot for us but he passed away last week,” she said while weeping.

She could only wish he was with her during the special moment when she stole the show on that stage.

“It (Dux award) came as a surprise. My parents always thought highly of me. My mum kept telling me that I have to study hard to be the Dux this year and it came true.”

Her father, Marika Nakete, had been a musician since she was born and had recently formed his own band called the “Retro”.

“My father is a musician so what he earns is not enough to cater for all our needs, but gratefully my uncle who is a teacher helps with our education expenses and more,” she said.

“Sometimes when I am pressured, I choose to be strong and whenever I am stressed, I pray and seek God’s help. My favourite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13,” she said.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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