Ever since Avinash Dayal was in kindergarten, a quiet, and forever smiling figure, would often celebrate his achievements with his close-knit family.

Her name is Kini Tamani Toakula. Over the years she has literally become a part of the Dayal family.

Yesterday, she was among them again, celebrating Avinash’s biggest achievement when he was inducted as the head boy of Gospel High School.

Referred to as as nani (grandmother) by the Dayal family, and most endeared by Avinash, the neighbour-turned family brought another of her handmade salusalus (garland) for him to wear.

“Race is not a barrier for us and neither will it be,” the 73-year-old said.

“Avinash is my grandson and I will always attend his school functions and every step he takes in his life,” Ms Toakula said.

She said when Avinash told her about his prefect induction, she handmade a salusalu with reflections of Gau Island for the ceremony.

Avinash is the eldest of two siblings and has been a prefect since he was in Year eight.

The Tailevu lad said it was an honour for him to be badged as the head boy.

He said he felt there was going to be good changes in the school because he had the best prefects working beside him.

Avinash said his family had dreams for him to become a doctor and he would also like to pursue a career as an actor.

One thing he learnt as a leader at the school was to be humble and be a man of virtue.

School head girl, Faith Croker said everything that’s happened in her life was a blessing from Jesus Christ.

The Rotuma native said it was her privilege to stand in front of her prefects and students as their student leader.

The youngest of seven siblings is reaching for sky with a career either to be a pilot or an aircraft engineer.

Student leaders:

Head boy and Student Council head: Avinash Dayal – Year 13

Head girl and Christian Fellowship president: Faith Croker – Year 13

Deputy head boys: Uraia Baba – Year 13 and Neumi Ratumaiyali – Year 12

Deputy head girls: Vasenai Tuisinu – Year 13 and Talica Niumatasere – Year 12

House Captains:

St Mathew: Aporosa Nawaqabuli and Lavenia Kabakoro

St Mark: Jacob Tauribau and Mary Tinai

St Luke: Malakai Rokotakala and Kelerayani Nokelevu

St John: David Taufa and Ana Rabonu

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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