The whole school cheered and filled the school hall with applauses as Marina Anzac was announced the dux of Faleata College for this academic year.

The 17-year-old attributed her achievements to her late father, who always wanted her to be the best student in the school. She promises that she will make him proud.

Ms. Anzac topped her class to place first in English, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry, and collected her trophies during the prize-giving ceremony on Friday.

The young lady gave thanks to her mother for always being a pillar of strength and prayer warrior, family and friends for their continuous support while glorifying God for His love and guidance throughout her challenging journey.

"I want to thank my mom for being a prayer warrior who prays for me day and night and for her words of encouragement that motivated me to perform my absolute best in school,” she said. "To my families and friends, I sincerely appreciate your love and support over the years.

“It was a difficult and drawn-out road for me, but I overcame all of the difficulties with the love and support of our all-powerful God, therefore He deserves all the praise and thanks.”

Her mother, Malae Falefou Anzac Fitu, emphasized that although her daughter had performed admirably in the previous three years, it was still her duty as a parent to push her.

"Marina did well most of the time, but that didn't stop me from pushing her to work even harder in her studies so that she could be consistent, and today she succeeded."

Ms. Anzac aspires to become a doctor in the future in order to support her community and the people of Samoa in maintaining good health.

“My aspiration is to become a doctor because I've always wanted to help my community and the Samoan people by ensuring their well-being.”

The top student gave a message to other pupils in her farewell speech, encouraging them on their journey and recognised the teachers'  for the years of hard work.

“My dear Faleata students, we live, we prosper in most uncertain circumstances, but as a student in this college, you must always be certain and be sure of what you do,” she said. “I have faith in what I do even when facing the consequences of my choices.

“My educators, you gave your best in accomplishing your calling by teaching us with love, integrity and passion.

“Thank you all so much”