A moment young Rokoveniasi Lote will never forget
“I learnt that even when you feel small or not ready, you can still achieve something big if you don’t give up,” he said.
Sunday 24 August 2025 | 07:00
Best Male Cadet awardeed, Rokoveniasi Lote (right), on August 22, 2025.
Rariqi Turner
When Rokoveniasi Lote, 14, marched onto the Gospel High School ground for his first cadet passing-out parade, he never imagined that the day would end with his name called as Best Male Cadet of the Year.
The Year 9 student is from Tubou, Lakeba, Lau.
“I thought someone else would get it,” he said.
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The award was the result of two weeks of intense training that pushed Lote to his limits. “The training was tough, sometimes it felt like too much. I told myself maybe I couldn’t do it, but I just kept going.
“I learnt that even when you feel small or not ready, you can still achieve something big if you don’t give up,” he said.
When his name was being called in the parade ground, the young cadet described the moment as overwhelming.
The cheers from his schoolmates and the proud smiles of teachers made the day unforgettable.
Holding the award close, Mr Tawake said: “This is not just for me. It’s for my family, my school, and everyone who encouraged me.”
