Dilkusha Methodist High School head girl Merilyn Ishika Muttu certainly carries a strong head on her shoulders.

While most prefects at the school’s induction ceremony yesterday had family members present, Merilyn’s family are the children and staff of Dilkusha Home.

She was among 97 prefects who were inducted at the James Morrissey Memorial  Church in Nausori.

The 19-year-old has been at Dilkusha Home for the past seven years.

She was adorned with a masi salusalu (garland made out of tapa) provided by her foster family from Nasilai Village in Nausori.

“I came to the Dilkusha Home when I was in Class six. I am from Labasa. I moved to Viti Levu with my parents but there were family issues and I ended up at the home,” Merilyn said.

“That was the last time I saw my parents. But I am blessed because I am with my real family now.”

Merilyn has been made a junior staff at Dilkusha Home. This has allowed her to stay on and at the same time contribute in the Home.

The Year 13 student is hoping to become a mathematics teacher.

“I know that most people hate mathematics but I love the subject. I want to be able to teach high school mathematics and help students,” she said.

For Merilyn, the 36 children who are her brothers and sisters are her motivation to do well.

And the staff are role models because their selfless service to the home speaks louder than words.

She said she was told by the principal last year that her leadership qualities had stood out and when school started, she would be given the role of head girl.

Merilyn commands respect and is adored by her school mates.

She is also a keen sports enthusiast and is fluent in English, iTaukei and Fiji Hindi.

For head boy Hemmant Rigamoto, it is a challenge. He said what made his task tougher was that Merilyn had set the pace and it was up to him to keep up to her.

Chief guest, Professor Carmen Scheuerman’s advice to the prefects was simple. She said as leaders they had to show the way.

Edited by Percy Kean

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