Esita Batiniqila who scooped a rare double during the Fijian Navy passing-out parade at its Togalevu base three months ago is on track to another of the firsts under her name.

The then 18-year-old had won the Rear Admiral Bainimarama Trophy for being the `best over-all cadet’ and the Captain Natuva Trophy for the most outstanding trainee following a 12-week grueling navy course in Suva. On Monday this week midshipwoman Esita Batiniqila, 19 and midshipman Samuela Logavatu, 20 were given their air tickets and necessary documents for their four-year scholarship to study Naval Ship Service Command and Naval Military Science in China.

Ms Batiniqila, who hails from Burenitu in Ra province, thanked the good Lord for giving her the strength to endure through the tough tests.

“I feel honored especially being a first female to be given a privilege and at the same time it is a challenge to set standard to others that is going to follow later,” Ms Batiniqila said.

“This scholarship is both a challenge and an opportunity in a life time as I have always wanted to be a naval officer,” the former Adi Cakobau School student said.

Midshipman Logavatu, 20, said the overseas scholarship to study in China was a blessing.

Originally from Levuka, on Lakeba, in the Lau ground like midshipwoman Batiniqila, he also always dreamt of joining the Fiji Navy like his older brother.

“For me it is a privilege and honor to be given scholarship opportunity and am looking forward to the trip,” he said.

While midshipman Logavatu flies out to China today midshipwoman Batiniqila flies out next Monday, September 17.