Christine Lawakele has dedicated her Fiji Year 13 Certificate award to her late Natabua High School (NHS) teacher.

Her marks of 371 out of 400 were the school’s highest for the Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination in 2020.

After receiving her award on Monday evening, she attributed her achievement to family, friends and late NHS teacher Elenoa Tamani who passed away last year.

“Ms Tamani encouraged me through some really hard times before she passed away,” Christine said.

“I’m really glad to get this award. I owe it all to those people. Without them I wouldn’t be here tonight.”

The 20-year-old Matuku, Lau lass received her award during the school’s 2021 awards ceremony on Monday,

“I feel humbled and honoured because it will be the third time I’ve topped. I’ve been topping from Year 10, 12 and now Year 13,” she said.

“So, it kind of feels good to get a clean sweep, however it’s a humbling moment.”

She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Civil Engineering honours at the Fiji National University and was due to start her second-year next week.

“After leaving high school, all those lessons and values I learned along the way have actually helped me in my first year of university,” she said. “I’m going into my second year of uni and it’s just been really good so far.”

She encouraged junior students of NHS to enjoy all opportunities provided while at school.

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