When 19-year-old Teresia Loco was named the 2020 Levuka Public School dux, she dedi­cated her award to her family, espe­cially to her late mother.

Originally from Sila, Cuvu, Nadroga, Teresia said her mother, Sisilia Tubu­na died six months ago.

“I wish she was here to witness my achievements, but I know she would have been proud of me if she was alive,” she said.

Teresia said she knew that she would scoop the dux award, though she was a little nervous and emotional when her name was called out.

“My family has been my major source of inspiration, they always encour­aged me to do better. This achievement is for them,” she said.

She said she wants to pursue her ca­reer as an Accountant.

“My school days at Levuka Public School, are a mixture of struggles, pain and happy memories. I have learned a lot of things in this pres­tigious institution and was taught to be strong, independent and most im­portantly, to be a God-fearing person. With that, I would like to show my sin­cere appreciation to the school,” Ter­esia said.

She also advised students at her school to do their best in achieving their goals.

“You cannot achieve great things all by yourself. You need God to guide and help you to reach your goals, do not belittle the power of this unlimited God,” she said.

Teresia has also scooped prizes in Ac­counting, Economics, Computer and was named Best All Rounder student.