Satini Isireli Lapu Tuisawana, Year 12, of the LDS College in Tamavua, Suva, was awarded best all-round cadet, on Friday.

The 17-year-old of Mavanai, Vanuabalavu, the youngest of four siblings, was among 303 LDS College students who took part in the cadet passing out parade at their school.

Satini said he knew he was going to win an award after the praises he had received by the cadet commander, but he was unaware that he would take the top award.

“I was quite surprised when I heard my name being announced as the Best All Round Cadet because I had in mind that I would win the improved award,” he said.

“I dedicate this award to my mother who believed in me the most and told me that if I keep working hard and push myself, I will achieve better things in life.

“Life was not easy for us but our family has stood strong in tough times. The difficulties was not easy to drift away from but my siblings and parents had worked hard to get up and move on in life.”

Apply training in your own life

Meanwhile, chief guest Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho told students to apply what they had learned from the weeks of training in their own lives.

“I was informed that the decision to wear your uniform was made to reinforce the virtues of discipline and pride for your school. Whether you wear the LDS uniform or the ceremonial outfit, what matters is how you choose to utilise what you have learned from the weeks of training, in your life,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said.

“Cadets, please know that it is our collective desire to see you all prosper in life and the best way to achieve that is to take all the knowledge gained on this very parade ground into your classrooms.”