Taking the bus every morning from Vaiusu to Moata'a and back after school has paid off for Doreen Lemo who was named the Moata'a Primary School Dux for the year 2023. 

The 13-year-old is the second eldest child of Ioane and Faga Lemo's three children of Vaiusu and Falealili. 

It was a challenging year for Doreen not only because of the distance she had to travel every morning but also because she was a new student at Moata'a Primary school. 

She was a student at Vaiusu Primary School before her parents decided for her to attend Moata'a Primary this year. 

Ms. Lemo had to leave her friends and old school and adapt to a new school environment. 

She explained that it was hard at first trying to make friends and getting used to traveling back and forth by bus for school. 

However, she took it as a challenge and became victorious in the end. 

That's not all. Ms. Lemo also secured a spot at Samoa College next year and she is ecstatic for the next chapter of her academic journey. 

Her parents, Ioane and Faga Lemo were overjoyed and surprised with their daughter's achievements. However, they credited God's guidance and provision for Doreen's success. 

Her mother shared that Doreen had difficulties because she was a new student at Moata'a at the beginning of this year. 

"Not only was she new to the school, but she also had to adjust to the system and policies in place," Mrs. Lemo said. 

"Not all schools are the same and we understood that she was struggling at first, but we saw how hard she studied and she settled in just fine. 

"The distance was another issue for me because there was no one to drop her off to school and pick her up after school."

According to the proud parents, Doreen catches the early bus with her brother Vaitafe every morning to school. 

They both said they were proud of Doreen's achievements and are looking forward to seeing God's plans unfold as she embarks on the next chapter of her life. 

And like any other parent, Mr. and Mrs. Lemo said they will continue to support and encourage their daughter to pursue her dreams and that the sky's the limit.