Ratu Sakiusa Nasuguvanua Tukana, 18, felt amazed and proud when he was announced as the Dux for Latter Day Saints (LDS) Church College yesterday.

He, also scooped awards for the Hall of Excellence in cookery, history and geography.

He felt thankful to be raised by his mother and acknowledged her for all the hardships she faced to raise him and his sister after his parents separated.

“I feel emotional and overjoyed to receive this award as I really didn’t believe that I was going to get it.

Preparing for exams was tough for me as a lot was going on at school and at home; despite the challenges my mum was always there for me,” he said.

He said that growing up in a broken family was really hard as they had to shift a lot due to his mother’s occupation and that affected his studies.

“I am grateful to my mother as she kept me and my sister together as a family even though we were going through a lot of financial and social problems,” he said.

He plans to be a geologist or a lawyer but first he hopes to get a job next year to support his tertiary education.

Rainima scoops the Lion of the Lord Award

Sereana Rainima, 17, won the Lion of the Lord Award.

She felt honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious award as she didn’t think she was going to get it.

This award is given annually to a student selected from Year 9 to Year 12.

It recognises all-round performance and achievements.

“I didn’t think I would ever receive this award because you have to have a lot of credits and you have to be nominated by the teachers.

“I feel grateful and blessed to receive this award,” she said.

She shared her life challenges of acting as a mother figure to her siblings while her mum is away overseas.

“I had to cook and clean and sometimes it can be difficult especially when I am still a student and my dad is a sickly person and he requires my full attention,” said Sereana.

She plans to pursue a career in journalism and law and is inspired by all the lawyers in her family.

“I thank the Lord for His provisions and my parents for the amazing work they have done and to the teachers for their guidance and support,” she said.

Edited by Mohammed Ali

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