Vunimoli Islamia College Dux eyes career in aircraft engineering

The dux of Vunimoli Islamia College in Labasa has set his sights on becoming an aircraft engineer.

Year 13 student Arosh Swarith Chand received the top honour during the school’s recent prize-giving ceremony.

The 17-year-old is the youngest of two siblings and the first in his family to become dux.

Arosh said he was overwhelmed by the award and believed his years of sacrifice had finally paid off.

He said consistency throughout the past few years helped him secure strong marks in this year’s annual exams.

A science student, Arosh scored an impressive 444 out of 500 and won three subject prizes: Mathematics, Information Technology (IT) and Physics.

Missing out on first place in last year’s annual exam motivated him to work harder and claim the Dux Award.

He also acknowledged his teachers for organising extra classes to ensure effective revision before the exams.

“I came second in Year 12 and felt I could go a step further and become dux,” he said.

His father, Subhash Chand, said his son delivered when it mattered most.

Mr Chand said that after finishing second last year, Arosh was determined to come first and prove that nothing is impossible.

“He is the first in the family to become dux,” he said proudly.

Mr Chand, an Agriculture Head of School (HOS) at Waiqele College, said his son used his time at school wisely.

“My son used his time wisely and focused on learning the subject content in school, while spending limited time studying at home,” he said.

Despite the school being based in a rural area, Mr Chand chose to send his son to Vunimoli Islamia College.

“I believe every student, whether in a town or rural school, can achieve academic greatness,” he reiterated.

Arosh said his teachers continually motivated him to believe in his potential.

His academic consistency began early, he was also the dux of Korotari Arya Primary School.

He said he declined the opportunity to become head boy so he could focus fully on his studies.