Eighteen year old Foana Baleinaveikau scooped the Best Overall Female Cadet trophy at the LDS Church College cadet passing-out parade on Friday. The Year 13 student, who is from Nadivakarua in Kubulau, Bua, is the deputy head girl and youngest of six siblings.

She was among 303 cadets who marched during the passing out parade at the school in Tamavua.

She stood proud when she was handed the trophy by the Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho.

She dedicated the award to her father, Apollos Baleinaveikau.

“My award is a great example of my performance and dedication to the cadet training which I dedicate to my father who passed away last year after a short illness.

“With the help of the Police cadet officer, I am standing with this trophy to show off.

“My father was my motivation for all and what I have achieved in my life.

That is why I am dedicating my award to him because I know he must be looking over me and smiling today.

“From my father, I’ve learned to be proud of who I am and where I come from. I represented my father in the parade to remember him,” Foana said.