The continuous encouragement from a teacher helped Arts Dux of Labasa College achieve success.

19-year-old Elaine Sharma said had it not been for the teacher’s support she wouldn’t have stood tall and proud during the school prize-giving ceremony yesterday.

The Year 13 from Vunicuicui, Labasa, said: “It was through my form teacher, Parmesh Lingam’s, encouragement and support that helped me gain confidence,” Elaine said.

“Life of a student changed over a few months for me as I reduced late night studies to make use of every break in school studying past year papers,” she said.

“Through implementing new strategies I managed to recall what the teachers taught in class.

“I believe that through one spark of hope and encouragement by teachers it can assist any student achieve his or her dream,” the youngest of two siblings said.

She came fourth in the first term and then third in the second term exam.

“Through implementing new strategies I managed to recall what the teachers taught in class.”

Father, Satendra Sharma said: “We never expected a big achievement from Elaine as for us we have taught our children to do their best instead of dreaming to touch the stars.

“The Bible says that ‘Nothing is impossible with God’ and hearing Elaine’s achievement announced on stage made me understand that my daughter is already a star and I don’t need to look up in the sky,” said Mr Sharma. She scored 354 out of 400 marks.

Science dux

Meanwhile, Science Dux and Best All Rounder Student for Year 13 went to Ravnesh Waran.

The headboy of the school originally from Wailevu, Labasa scored 380 out of 400 in the annual examination.

He also scooped Best Science Student Award, a special recognition by Faculity of Science and Technology of the University of the South Pacific, first place getter in the national chemistry quiz competition in advanced category; subject prizes in English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics; special awards from Science, Maths, Physics, Computer and Language department for participating in various competitions.

His parents, Venktesh Waran, a salesman at Raqi’s Spare Parts and Sareen Lata running her own business were in tears as they held on to so many trophies.

List of awardees    

Arts Dux- Elaine Sharma

Science Dux- Ravnesh Waran

Best Overall Academic Award in Year 12- Ping Yi Ko

Best Overall Academic Award in Year 10- Alisi Vua

Best All Rounder Student in Year 13- Ravnesh Waran

Best All Rounder Student in Year 12- Ping Yi Ko

Best All Rounder Student in Year 10- Sahil Kumar

Best Hostel Male- Sevanaia Tuiwalese

Best Hostel Female- Akeneta Maramaisala

Attendance Award- Mereoni Korovakaturaga

Best Sportsman- Noa Raramasi

Best Sportswoman- Sera Codro

Best Library Student of the Year- Mereseini Valetino

The chief guest was Fiji National University chancellor and chair of council Ikbal Jannif.