Koreti Sili was a proud mother on Tuesday when her second-eldest daughter Anniemarie Sili was named the top student of the Saint Mary's Primary School for this year. 

Speaking to the Samoa Observer after the school's prizegiving ceremony, which was held at the school hall in Savalalo on Tuesday, Ms. Sili was speechless. 

"It's every parent's dream to see their kids excel in all that they do especially in school," Ms. Sili said. 

"So today, I'm just very thankful and the glory goes back to God for he made it happen for my daughter."

Ms. Sili said she was not surprised when her daughter was named the dux for this year due to her performance throughout this academic year.

"She topped her class after the mid-year exams and so the challenge for her was to keep at it and keep striving for the best," she said. "So I wasn't surprised also because I saw how hard she studied and she was very committed to her studies throughout this year. 

"I'm proud of her and I hope that she will continue to be this dedicated and committed to her studies. As parents, that's all we pray for. For our children to do well and do their best in life."

As a single mother, Ms. Sili then used the opportunity to acknowledge the support of her family who have been there for her and her three girls. 

The young Ms. Sili who is also the school's head girl this year said she was humbled by her achievement and hopes that what she has achieved this year will be an inspiration for young girls who are educated at St. Mary's Primary School. 

"I want them to know that the sky's the limit and that if I can do it, they can do it too," said Anniemarie. "Today, I'm just very happy, humbled and thankful. I owe it all to my family, my school but most importantly, my mother and siblings."

According to the 13-year-old, her mother has been her main inspiration throughout her journey at St. Mary's Primary School. 

"I thank her and dedicate this to her and for not giving up on us and our dreams."

What's next for the young Ms. Sili? She is hoping to do well in college so she can be one step closer to her lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer. 

"It's hard to tell what I want to do when I grow up because I need to go through college first. But for me, the aim is to hopefully become a lawyer in the future. I need to get to college first and look at the kind of subjects I need to take. 

"I know I would have to be an art student but we will think about that when I get to college. I'm just going to celebrate this milestone with my family, especially my mother and siblings who have been my pillar of strength. 

"I could not have made it this far and come out with this kind of results if it weren't for their support and prayers. All glory goes to God for his blessings upon us."