Aspiring Civil Engineer Dux at Robert Louis

By Ivamere Nataro 05 December 2018, 12:00AM

A young girl from Vaoala and Asau who aspires to become a Civil Engineer is the top student at Robert Louis Stevenson Secondary School.

Irae Maranatha Tufuga was named the 2018 Dux during the school’s prize giving yesterday.

She received her award from Member of the Council of Deputies, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia at their school hall.

Among a number of Awards she won was the Public Speaking Award sponsored by the Samoa Observer Newspaper Group.

The hall was packed with families and friends who gathered to witness another successful academic year for the students. 

Irae is the youngest of three siblings. 

“I am honestly so shocked. This is probably the greatest thing that could have happened to me so far,” Irae said with tears. 

“I have been working so hard, and I am grateful to God, my parents who have always been so supportive, and my friends who have always been beside me helping me with all my studies.”

She also thanked the Principal of the school and the teachers who have always tried their best to ensure students excel in all their subjects. 

“The most memorable experience is probably all the great friends I made that will last a life time,” Irae told the Samoa Observer. 

“I am planning to go to National University of Samoa for Foundation and hopefully get a scholarship from there to study civil engineering and if not I want to be a doctor. 

“I choose civil engineering because I am interested in those subjects, and since Samoa has a shortage in those jobs I want to give back to the country if I am offered the scholarship.”

Irae has this to say for students who have yet to graduate from secondary school level. 

“Like they say hard work always pays off. This just doesn’t happen. It takes long hours of studying and all throughout the year you have to work hard, and it’s not just cramming until the last minute, so for those coming before us, you have to always work hard so you can reach your dreams.”

Her mother, Marei Tufuga couldn’t contain her tears as she hugged and kissed her daughter. 

“I am just proud, and thank God for His blessings. She has worked really hard,” an emotional Mrs. Tufuga said.

By Ivamere Nataro 05 December 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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