Tegumaila Finds Purpose as Head Boy

Gideon Tegumaila spent much of last year praying and fasting, hoping to be chosen as the head boy of Saint Thomas High School in Lautoka for 2025.

His prayers were answered when he received the majority of votes from fellow students and teachers.

Olive Bennion, 17, was named head girl.

Gideon is from Lawaki Village in Yasawa, and is the youngest of three siblings.

In Year 11, Gideon trained as a rugby referee, a skill he first put to use during his school’s preparation for the Deans Trophy competition last year.

He continued to develop his refereeing skills through the Yasawa Rugby Union competition and is now registered as one of Lautoka’s referees for the Skipper Cup.

“To me, true leadership is sacrificing your life for others. I am thankful for all those who voted for me. I think many students have witnessed the sacrifices I have made for them,” Gideon said.

He recalled how some students at his school, from broken homes and single-parent families, would often come to school without food. Gideon shared that with the money he earns as a rugby referee, he buys food for his family and sometimes helps provide lunch for underprivileged students.

His father is a farmer, while his mother works as a housekeeper at Octopus Resort in Yasawa. Gideon said being a leader had taught him to take responsibility for his life and his ambitions.

“Last year, I did work during the holidays to help support my family and saved up for school supplies. I didn’t rely on the $200 government school assistance, even though my mother applied for it. I went fishing with my mother, and we sold the fish at the market. We used that money to prepare everything for my school year,” he explained.

Gideon also expressed his strong sense of purpose in his role as head boy.

“I wanted to make a difference in my family and my village. I am the first head boy from my family and my village, and I also want to be the first pilot. One dream has been achieved today, and I believe the second one will be fulfilled in the years to come,” he said.

“I hope to use this opportunity and this platform to fight against drugs. With the help of teachers, we will continue addressing the consequences of all these social issues,” Gideon added.

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