The St Joseph's College dux for this academic year has set a goal to become a lawyer in the future and says he will depend on whatever plan God has for him.

Henry Peniamina John Vianney Tagiilima is the only child of parents, Tuala Maria Melei Tagiilima and Tevaga Viane Tagiilima of the Sinamoga, Vaimoso, Leauvaa, Vavau, Manono, Samalae’ulu and Moamoa villages.

The 16-year-old student topped his class to come first in English and History, second in Economics, HPE and Geography, and third in Religious Education and collected his trophies at the prize-giving ceremony last Saturday.

Due to his academic abilities, proven leadership qualities, and unique aptitude, the young man was also awarded the General Excellence School Spirit Awards on top of graduating with honours. 

Mr. Tagiilima acknowledged the support of his parents, families, teachers and peers at school while giving thanks to God for his guidance and wisdom throughout his journey.

“I want to thank God for guiding me and for giving me the wisdom to get this achievement,” he said. “I am grateful for my parents, my families here in Samoa and overseas for always supporting me through everything, glad that I have made you all proud.

“I also want to give thanks to my teachers, especially Brother Kevin and Brother Afaese Afaese, and my class Project 13, I am filled with gratitude for them for supporting me and they always having had my back.”

He said that in spite of all the difficulties he encountered during his academic journey, he was able to succeed by being committed and consistent in all that he did.

“A lot of obstacles to overcome, the pressure of doing the best for your parents and being the dux again if you did a year before and then having my dad as an old pupil of Marist, I got a reputation that he has and put it on legacy.

“The competition in St Joseph is really high and you never really know what could happen, so it takes a lot of hard work and you have to be determined and consistent with what you do.”

The aspiring lawyer said he got motivated to pursue a bachelor of law degree because of the connection he has with his great-grandfather.

“History and English are my favourite subjects and I guess I take after my great grandfather Siaki Melei as he was a detective so that connection between a detective and a lawyer is something that pushed me.”

His mother, Tuala Maria Melei Tagiilima, expressed her gratitude for her son's success in overcoming numerous obstacles and said they would continue to support him with his goal.

“As parents, we are very proud of our son’s achievement, and the glory must be returned to God because, without him, he would not have been able to do it,” she said. “We will support him with his goal especially since the next chapter is going to be even tougher for him.

“Thus, it is rewarding for all of us, and as parents, our goal is to see our kids overcome any obstacles with perseverance.”

Next year, Mr. Tagiilima plans to pursue a law degree and hopes to be awarded a scholarship to study at Victoria University or Auckland University in New Zealand. Other than being a lawyer in the future, Henry also does photography as a hobby.

The young man has a message for all students who want to do what they are passionate about: “Do what you think is best for you and do not let anyone tell you otherwise, because it removes the potential of anyone."