St Thomas heads eye aviation careers

Head boy Romeo and head girl Tehinnah describe their roles as an honour and a responsibility.

Friday 20 February 2026 | 01:00

Saint Thomas High School head boy Romeo Qerewaqa (left), with head girl Tehinnah Samuela.

Saint Thomas High School head boy Romeo Qerewaqa (left), with head girl Tehinnah Samuela.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Leadership runs in the family for Saint Thomas High School head boy Romeo Qerewaqa, who is proudly following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Ratu Rakuita Qerewaqa.

Romeo shared that his brother served as head boy of the institution in 2018, a role that left a lasting impression on him.

“I used to admire the way he would focus on his studies and everything else he did,” Romeo said.

Originally from Nuku, Serua, with maternal links to Nabitu, Tokatoka in Tailevu, Romeo said stepping into the same leadership role was both an honour and a responsibility.

Beyond school leadership, the 18‑year‑old has his eyes set on the skies. He aspires to become a pilot, driven by his fascination with aeroplanes.

“I’m always captivated by aircraft and how they operate. My goal is to one day fly planes,” he said.

Meanwhile, newly appointed head girl Tehinnah Samuela, 17, is equally proud of her role.

Hailing from Itumuta, Rotuma, with maternal links to Itutiu, Tehinnah said wearing the head girl’s badge carried special meaning.

“This badge is special to me since I am the first in my family to be the head girl of the school,” she said.

Like her counterpart, Tehinnah also dreams of a future in aviation. She aspires to become an aircraft engineer, inspired by her interest in the technical aspects of planes.

The two student leaders say they are committed to serving their school with dedication, discipline, and integrity throughout their term.


Saint Thomas High School prefects after their prefect induction at the school.

Saint Thomas High School prefects after their prefect induction at the school.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia




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