Year 8 students Tasele Zion Malolua and Pearl Tyrell were announced the equal dux of the Manumalo Baptist School at the graduation ceremony on Thursday.

The two students were able to lead by example by achieving high grades in all of their exams and have already set their goals for the future with their academic excellence on show during the graduation ceremony at the Maota o Tupulaga hall at Mulinu'u. 

Tasele Zion, son of Polataivao Tasele and Utufaasili Malolua of Vaisala, Fagaee, Lalomalava and Papauta was overall one of the top students of the school and nailed first place in Year 8.

He told the Samoa Observer that he was very happy with his achievement and wanted to become a successful man in the future.

His father Polataivao Tasele told the Samoa Observer that he was excited with his son’s academic efforts despite the challenges he faced in school every day.

He said the importance of putting his children's studies first and providing them with the assistance they needed to achieve was always his passion. 

"I want to express my appreciation to God for his knowledge and direction during my son's academic career," said the father. "Without him, my son would not have been able to overcome all of the challenges he faced and achieve where he is today.

“It is very important for us as parents to prioritise our children and give them the support they need in order to achieve their dreams.”

Fiu Leitu Tyrell's daughter Pearl was also the school's top student overall and also took first place in Year 8 for this academic year. She dedicated the awards to her hard-working parents and gave recognition to everything they have given up in order to see her succeed.

Ms. Pearl aspires to pay off the debt she owes her parents by becoming a successful businesswoman and a teacher in the future.
This achievement is a dedication to my parents and grandparents who sacrifice so much and work so hard in order for me to have a successful life," she said. “Therefore, my dream is to become a successful businesswoman and to be a teacher one day.

"I have to repay them – I know of the debt I owe them.”

Her mother Fiu Leitu Tyrell said this was just the beginning of another chapter for her daughter and she will continue to offer the same support in order for her to reach her goal.

“This is not the end, it is the beginning of another chapter of her academic journey, and we will continue to give her the same support until she becomes a successful businesswoman and a teacher in the future.”

Tasele Zion and Pearl believe that their accomplishment can serve as an example to all students enrolled in Manumalo Baptist School to encourage them to never give up, study diligently, and prioritise God above all else.