The school prize-giving and graduation season is well underway. Your favourite newspaper, the Fiji Sun, continues to bring you the achievers of the year, from the dux to the other section winners. It’s a good time to reflect on how the school year has gone.

Like this time last year, some schools were still carrying scars from the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

But the indomitable spirit of our people shone through. While some were still studying in tents then, they overcame the odds to ensure there was minimal disruption to their studies.

This year, the situation is much better and students are relishing the environment. We are getting a steady stream of uplifting stories of sacrifice, hard work and commitment to education.

The story about a grandmother who singlehandedly raised her two grandchildren is an inspiring story. The grandchildren’s parents had separated leaving the toddlers in her care.

Yesterday she shed tears of joy as she watched her grandchildren collect their prizes. The older boy took the dux prize and his younger sister was also awarded with a prize.

The grandmother must be commended for her act of service and compassion. She has set an example to all parents and grandparents.

If everyone had given up on the two children, they would not have been successful. Her love for them was clearly displayed by the way she raised them.

She must have taught them well in self motivation and to recognise the fact that without an education, life can be really difficult.

The fact also that education is now free has had a powerful impact on the children. No school fees, no school bus fare and free textbooks are critical in the education of our children.

If this grandmother can do it, there is no reason why those who are more fortunate than her, cannot help their children succeed in their schooling.

She was focused and got her grandchildren to focus on education. The grandchildren responded and produced the result.

Then there was the story of a student who struggled at the beginning but worked her way up through hard work and persistence before she became dux.

Another inspiring story came from have Christopher Minimbi the Dux of Marist Brothers High School.

He is from Papua New Guinea. In 2015, he and his family moved to Fiji for better education opportunities. He had to overcome the new culture and environment to become dux.

But the one thread that connects these success stories is that there is no magic wand.

It is made of hard work, sacrifice, patience and perseverance.

The road to success is paved with these qualities. There is no other way.

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj