Lelean’s Best Male cadet marches for his mother
Nikasio Nadavo, 14, carried more than just a rifle on his shoulder, he carried the weight of love, sacrifice, and silent prayers.
Thursday 14 August 2025 | 01:00
Nikasio Nadavo awarded Best Male Cadet during the Lelean Memorial School passing-out parade at Albert Park in Suva on August 14, 2025.
Photo: Rariqi Turner
After 13 years, Lelean Memorial School in Davuilevu, Nausori, brought back its cadet passing-out parade.
It featured 1300 students who proudly marched before of cheering family members and supporters.
Among them was Nikasio Nadavo, 14, of Nakaile, Tokatoka, Tailevu.
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His determination earned him the title of Lelean Memorial School’s Best Male Cadet for 2025.
Raised by a single mother and living with his uncle, Nikasio’s journey to this proud moment was anything but easy.
“Training was really hard,” he said.
“Sometimes I missed my mother and my siblings so much. I just wanted to hear their voices. Every day, I prayed for them. That’s what gave me strength. I didn’t expect to win; I just wanted to make my family proud. This is for them, for everything they’ve done for me.”
During the parade at Albert Park in Suva, Nikasio carried more than just a rifle on his shoulder. He carried the weight of love, sacrifice, and silent prayers of his family members.
With every step, he thought of his mother, working hard and far away, and the siblings he missed dearly. Though surrounded by hundreds, he felt her absence deeply.
“It hurts, but I kept going because I knew she’s thinking of me too.”
His tears didn’t fall on the parade ground, but in his heart where this victory belonged to her.
Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj
