Every child aspires to make their parents proud.  

That was the reaction for the parents of Pekina Brown Maualaivao as she was dubbed Saint Mary’s Savalalo’s top student for 2016 .

 Miss Maualaivao swept most of the categories, coming away with trophies for written expression, religious education, religious studies , and music.  

Miss Maualaivao was overwhelmed with pride as she recounted her journey to the top. 

It has been a long time coming for this thirteen year old. Miss Maualaivao showed potential for academic excellence from a very young age, coming first in her class in year one.  However, year one would be the last time she came in first.  Finally, in her last year at St. Mary’s Savalalo, she truly pushed herself to reach the top of her class.  She stated, ““When I was in year one, I used to be Dux first.  But then year 2 to year 7 I wasn’t the Dux again.  I want to make them happy so that’s why I did this.  I wanted them to be happy.” 

There’s no coincidence that Miss Maualaivao came in first for music and religious studies as those are her favorite courses of study.  She commented “Religion teaches me about Mother Mary and Jesus and everything in the bible. And Music because, I learn faster through music and I really like singing and that’s the only talents I like doing.”

This young woman hails from the village of Malie and aspires to be a doctor.  She stated, “I want to be a  doctor to help my father when he’s sick and also my mom.  I really like healing people and helping them.”

Miss Maualaivao credited much of her success to her parents, for whom she aspired to make proud through her achievements.  Also, the teaching staff at St.Mary’s Savalalo for their prayers  and support  and her “besties”, Joanne and Palepa.