'He would be proud’: Vaseva honours late father with Dux award

Twelve-year-old Vaseva Cataka, a Year 8 student of Lomary Catholic Primary School, has made her community proud after being named the 2025 Dux.

Originally from Kiuva, Bau, Tailevu, Vaseva says the award was 'more than a certificate' — it was a gift to her village and the people who raised her.

She scored strong results in her final exams: English (85), Maths (94), Healthy Living (93), Basic Science (91), Social Science (95) and Fijian (69), earning a total of 527 out of 600.

Teachers describe her as quiet, focused and always willing to help.

Vaseva was raised by her mother after her father died from asthma when she was in Year 6.

“I miss him every day. Sometimes I wish he could see me now, but I know he would be proud," she said.

Her mother, who works to support the family, remains her biggest inspiration.

“My mum is the reason I study so hard. She always tells me education will open doors for me.”

Vaseva hopes to become a teacher. “Teachers helped me when life was hard, so I want to help other children the same way,” she said.

She plans to return to Kiuva one day to give back to her community. “Everything I have started from my village. I want to give something good to the children there.”

“This is just my first step,” she said.

“There is more I want to do, and I won’t give up.”

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