A first year student at Nakasi High School took out the dux award on Friday night’s prize giving at the school in Nakasi.

19-year-old Angeline Naidu said the year of school in Suva, away from her Dromoninuku Settlement in Taveuni background was a big learning curve for her.

“I learnt something during this one year of schooling in Suva and that is competition and striving for the best,” Angeline said with a smile.

Included with the Dux award Ms Naidu walked away with subject prizes in English, Biology, Chemistry, and Agriculture; the Dr Goundar’s Award for highest in English and Biology; and the Best science student honour.

Grandmother Suliana Dikainona who traveled from Taveuni to witness the school prize giving said Ms Naidu’s parents would be proud with her achievements.

“My granddaughter is following the footsteps of her uncle who is a lecturer at the Fiji National University, she never gave up and now she will pursue her studies in MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery),” Ms Dikainona said.

Ms Dikainona said Ms Naidu faced a lot of hardships as her parents were farmers and did not have a strong financial background.

Ms Naidu’s achievement was an uphill battle but she said it was all worth it because her parents who knew her background would be all smiles and proud of it.

Ms Naidu thanked her family members and the school for believing in her.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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