Leulumoega Fou College head boy, 17-year-old Jermanese Faiese was the toast of the prize giving ceremony on Tuesday as he took top honours and was declared the dux for the academic year.

The son of Matalena and Usufono Faiese Faiese, who are from the villages of Faleasiu and Falese’ela Lefaga, topped English, Mathematics, Accounting, Economic, Computer and Religious Knowledge.

The school hall was filled with parents and family members of students graduating to take the next step in education. It was an atmosphere of celebration for those attaining prizes and others were joyful that they had been able to make it through the school year.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Jermanese said he felt honoured and humbled.

"I want to dedicate my success to my family, especially my parents for always supporting me. It was not an easy journey because like everyone else, we all face hardships but we tried our best to give back to the people who pray for our success,” he said.

"Above all else, the glory must return to our heavenly Father for the love, patience and the wisdom he provides and that has helped me get this far."

He said no matter what school they will attend next year, their names will always be treasured in their beloved Leulumoega Fou College.

“Always be strong and never give up, no matter what. I will be attending the National University of Samoa for further studies and be a flag bearer of my beloved school next year.”

He also took the opportunity to thank the teachers for all their hard work, especially for their endless prayers for the betterment of his journey in school.

His mother, Matalena Pasina said  above all else, thanksgiving and glory should go to God as without him nothing can be achieved in life.

“I believe that if a parent’s hopes and aspirations do not coincide with God’s will then it will not be successful,” she said. “I thank the Lord’s love and kindness for answering our prayers; we also fasted so that the children will do well in school.”

Jermanese said he does not yet have a future goal, but he is excited to continue his education at N.U.S. in order to learn about many opportunities, and he will rely on God's will for his life.

Jermanese said he would take this break to decide what career path he will pursue and believes he has a lot of options and will not be rushing into making a decision.

He said there were many opportunities available in Samoa and he wanted to set sail on a course that would be fulfilling and rewarding.

He thanked the parents of the pupils for their unwavering support in the face of numerous obstacles and quoted from a Samoan proverb:

“The pinnacle of the parents’ love are their children, in other words their love is founded in the hope that their children will turn out right.”