Natabua High School Head Boy and Cadets Corp Parade Commander Ratu Manoa Kaiyanuyanu says receiving the baton of honour is an achievement that was only possible through God and family’s support.

The Natabua High School’s cadet passing-out parade was held on Friday in Lautoka after a lapse of two years due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Kaiyanuyanu was among 1100 students that made up the Natabua High School cadets corp.

Kaiyanuyanu said the event was special for them because students from two years ago did not get such an opportunity due to the pandemic.

“It felt like twice the responsibility fell on me this year in helping bring the cadets standard up to par and moreover, to make up for the past two years,” he said.

The Vunisea, Saivou, Ra lad with maternal links to Taira, Vanuavatu, Lau said the event was sensitive for him, as he remembered the lives of those who had passed on and the countless memories he shared with his comrades.

Natabua High School Head Boy and parade commander Ratu Manoa Kaiyanuyanu. Photo: Salote Qalubau

Brigadier-General Gadai

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Joint Task Force Brigadier-General Manoa Gadai said leadership was very much about doing what is right in any given situation.

“Leaders are not born, they are made throughout time and all these students on parade today are leaders in your own right. Leadership is all about having a good aim and vision.”

A leader will always think about achieving the goal even if there are many obstacles along the way,” he said.

He commended students, staff and RFMF instructors for the tremendous effort put into preparing for the cadets’ pass-out parade.

Best Friends

Cadets Corp Parade second in command Mereoni Kuru and Bravo Company Senior officer in command Ofa Susana Lagonilakeba, who are best friends, were both awarded the most outstanding cadet award.

Mereoni Kuru said she was surprised to be given the rank of Parade second in command.

“Firstly, I was shocked because I’m a senior prefect, it’s usually given to the head girl but I am honoured.”

“ I would like to thank the Lord for guiding me through-out this week and my parents, my father is in Golan right now, so I dedicate it to him and my mom.”

Natabua High School students Ofa Susana Lagonilakeba (left) and Mereoni Kuru after the school Cadets passout parade on September 30, 2022 in Lautoka. Photo: Salote Qalubau

The Vadravadra lass with maternal links to Narocake, Noco in Rewa was part of the CocaCola Games this year.

Year 13 student, Bravo Company Senior officer in command Ofa Lagonilakeba said leadership came naturally to her as she had been leading from a very young age and given many opportunities.

Ofa had won gold in the Senior Girls 200 metres Coca-Cola Games this year.

The 17-year-old of Salia, Nayau in Lau with maternal links to Samoa dedicated her achievement to those who had played major roles in helping her lead.

Story by: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj