Prefects or young leaders, you are given an opportunity to prove your worth says education officer Shalendra Kumar.

He said to the students of Suva Primary School in Samabula, Suva yesterday, that the reason they have been given this opportunity was because they possess qualities that have outshined them other students.

“At times, you would come to cross roads and would be in dilemma whether to uphold the virtues and values of school or compromise them by aiding your colleague to hide an unwarranted activity,” Mr Kumar said.

Among the 52 prefects was the head girl of the school, Ilisapeci Natoga, 13, of Rukua, Beqa.

Ilisapeci is currently the Under 12 Suva netball team captain and the school’s netball team captain.

Being the youngest of three siblings and coming from a family of former prefects, she is the first person to uphold the headgirl’s position.

Ilisapeci said this year will be filled with challenges for her but that does not stop her from keeping up with her duties and passion to become a netball player in the future.

“I know it is challenging because I have duties to fulfil, academic studies to concentrate on and then I have my netball practices which means a lot to me.

“I have dreamed of becoming one of Fiji’s top netball players and I will do all it takes to achieve my goal.

“With the help and support from my parents, teachers, the head boy and other fellow students, I can strive for the best while I take care of my duties as the head of the school.

“I thank my family, especially my parents who have always supported me in my decisions and took time out from their busy work schedule to cheer for me at the netball games,” Ilisapeci said.

Her proud sister, Loraini Natoga, 19, was overjoyed seeing her sister badged as the head girl.

“She is the first one in the family who holds the position of the head girl.

“My brother and I also attended the same school but we only were prefects and my parents also held the position of prefects only.

“It is a proud moment for us to see that she has become the first in the family to be the head girl and we know that she will do even more greater things in the future,” Loraini said.

Headboy of the school, Tevita Rabaleinavavalagi, 13, of Cicia, Lau was also the first in his family to uphold the headboy’s position.

He said his family was there to support him throughout the year while he focused on his duties as well as his academic work.

“I am excited for the great year ahead of me and the head girl because we know that we have other commitments but that will not stop us from being good leaders to our school,” Tevita said.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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