Katrina Verma sweeps 11 awards to claim Dux title

Thirteen-year-old Katrina Verma has set a new benchmark at Makoi Muslim Primary School in Nasinu.

She claimed 11 awards and earning the esteemed 2025 Dux Award, the school’s highest academic honour.

Her name dominated the prize-giving ceremony as she claimed First Place in the Year Eight Annual Examination, Outstanding Student of the Year, and recognition for her unwavering commitment as the Most Regular Student.

Her leadership was also acknowledged with the Excellence in Leadership Award for her service as head girl.

Katrina’s achievements continued when she swept four major Subject Excellence Awards in English, Mathematics, Basic Science, and Social Science.

She rounded off her haul with top honours in both Literacy and Numeracy under the LANA programme.

For her parents, Asiteesh Verma and Kasmin Khan of Makoi, the moment was emotional. They described their daughter as a “focused, hardworking, and self-driven child” whose passion for learning has been evident from an early age.

Katrina, who will continue her education at Vunimono High School next year, already has her sights set on a demanding future career in neurosurgery. Her determination, teachers say, reflects a maturity far beyond her years.

Yet behind the gleaming trophies lies a message the school hopes every parent hears: success is not one-size-fits-all.

While Katrina’s story shines brightly, educators emphasise that every child carries a different talent, whether in sports, creativity, technology, leadership, or simple acts of kindness.

True achievement, they say, is found not only in ranks and medals but in nurturing a child’s natural spark.

Parents are encouraged to celebrate each child’s individual journey, honour their strengths, and guide them with patience and love.

As for Katrina, her story now stands as a powerful reminder across Makoi and beyond: with focus, discipline, and self-belief, extraordinary heights are within reach, even at just 13.