Choose service over self, Natabua cadets told

Natabua High School cadets in Lautoka were urged to choose service over selfishness, lead with integrity and remain resilient in the face of adversity during the school's cadet passing out parade last Friday.

Chief guest and Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) chief executive officer Dr Apisalome Movono told graduating cadets that discipline, character and service were essential values for young people navigating today's challenges.

Congratulating the cadets on completing their training, Mr Movono said the programme had instilled perseverance, teamwork and integrity — qualities that would serve them well throughout their lives.

He urged the cadets to apply the discipline they had learned in their classrooms, homes and communities.

"Discipline will be reflected in your attendance at school, how you complete your work on time and how wisely you use your time," he said.

Mr Movono encouraged the cadets to take initiative at home by helping their families without being asked and to honour the sacrifices of their parents and guardians through respect and obedience.

He reminded them that leadership begins with self-discipline and personal responsibility, saying true leaders make the right choices even when no one is watching.

Natabua High School's Parade Commander and head boy Areeb Ali receives the most prestigious award of the 2026 cadet pass out parade, the Baton of Honour from TSLS chief executive officer Dr Apisalome Movono.

Photo: Mereleki Nai

Cadets were also challenged to stand against bullying, dishonesty and wrongdoing whenever they encountered it.

Highlighting the demands of cadet training, Mr Movono said the early mornings, physical challenges and perseverance required throughout the programme were designed to build character, discipline, teamwork and resilience.

"Success requires sacrifice," he said, adding that the lessons learned during training would help cadets overcome future challenges.

He acknowledged the many issues confronting young people today, including drugs, substance abuse, HIV, peer pressure, cyberbullying and the negative influence of social media. He also pointed to broader challenges such as climate change, stronger cyclones, rising sea levels and inflation.

Despite these difficulties, Mr Movono said young people could choose how they responded through discipline, education and courage.

He described education as a powerful tool for change when combined with integrity and a commitment to serving others.

"Simple acts, such as picking up litter or helping at home, are examples of character in action," he said.

Concluding his address, Mr Movono called on the cadets to use the knowledge, discipline and values they had gained to help build a stronger Fiji through humble and selfless leadership.

Eight companies marched onto the Natabua High School grounds for the Cadet Corps Pass-out Parade, with Delta Company winning the Best Company in Drill award.

Parade Commander Areeb Ali received the prestigious Baton of Honour.

Award recipients

• Baton of Honour: Parade Commander Areeb Ali
• Best Company in Drill: Delta Company
• Best Male Rifle Platoon in Drill: Charlie 1
• Best Female Rifle Platoon in Drill: Delta 1
• Best Male Non-Rifle Platoon in Drill: Charlie 2
• Best Female Non-Rifle Platoon in Drill: Bravo 3
• Outstanding Male Officer: Manasa Vuiwakaya
• Outstanding Female Officer: Fane Tuimanono
• Outstanding Senior NCO: Aush Singh
• Outstanding Junior NCO: Grace Vuiwakaya
• Outstanding Cadet: Colour Ensign Ruci Tuitubou
• Outstanding Senior Cadet: RSM Solomone Nacagilevu
• Outstanding New Cadet: Ratu Tevita Mara
• Outstanding Bandsman: Aliyah Elena
• Best Organised Classroom: Year 9BHEC3
• Best Organised Dormitory: Dorm B