Rewa teen wins top student award, eyes pilot career

Thirteen-year-old Setoki Mafi Nawaqaliva from Vunisinu, Dreketi in Rewa stood proudly on stage on Tuesday as he was named Outstanding Student of the Year during the Ahmadiyya Primary School annual graduation ceremony.

Setoki, also the head boy, earned the honour for his exceptional academic performance, his leadership in school activities, and his positive attitude toward both teachers and classmates.

Teachers say he is known for helping younger students, keeping his class motivated, and consistently producing top results in his exams. But for the soft-spoken teenager, the award came as a surprise.

“I didn’t expect that prize was given to me,” he said. “I feel proud and happy about getting the outstanding prize.”

Setoki is the eldest of his siblings. His mother stays home to care for the family, while his father works as a foreman in an investment company that handles landscaping and grass-cutting.

He said their support has been his greatest strength.

“I would like to thank the teachers, students, my family, mom and dad for supporting me,” he said.

Despite his young age, Setoki already has a clear vision for his future. He hopes to attend Marist Brothers High School, following in the footsteps of his uncle, a former student there who later became a pilot.

“When I grow up, I want to be a pilot too,” he said. “I just feel like I have to follow him.”

To other students, Setoki offered simple but powerful advice: “Work hard and achieve your dreams, because hard work and dedication is the key to success.”

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