Soheel Kumar sacrificed some of his study time to help his father in their sugar cane farm. But managing to find a balance between study and farm work has paid off after he scored big in his Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination.

The 18-year-old student from Nadogo Central College scored a total of 362 out of 400.

Soheel said achieving the good mark was only possible with support from his school teachers, parents and friends. Through this, he has also received a National Toppers Scholarship.

“I have always worked hard to receive the National Toppers Scholarship and I am thankful that I have been selected for it,” he said.

“My parents are working hard to make savings for my higher education.”

Soheel will be studying Financial Accounting at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus.

Soheel’s father Salesh Kumar said his family faced many challenges, never losing hope in fulfilling the children’s needs.

“There were days when I used to sleep on empty stomach so my children could have something,”he said.

“My wife Sunita has always stood beside me, with her support and motivation my children have gained success.

“I have four children and Soheel has made everyone proud.”

Feedback: renu.prasad@fijisun.com.fj