“Be humble and you will get there,” this was the message Yinhua Qiao said after she received the Dux award as the overall top achiever at the 2024 St. Mary's Primary School prizegiving.

Yinhua succeeded in first place overall in  Mathematics, Basic Science, Social Study, Visual Art, and Computer and came second overall in her class.

“It was surprising for me, I was not expecting it,” said Yinhua.

She also presented a speech in front of the entire school. She thanked her classmates for the memorable years and highlighted the power of fasting and prayers. When asked how it felt to speak in front of the entire school and on behalf of the Year 8 cohort she said, "It felt like I was presenting everyone and I feel grateful. 

"I dedicate the award to my parents because they pay my school fees even though we have a lot of things going on in school like paying the raffle bingo - they paid it and they never complained."

Her twin sister, Jinhua who is a minute older said the awards meant a lot to her family. 

"It is a blessing. I am so happy. I am so excited because we are making our parents and family proud," said Jinhua.

Despite her significant achievements of coming third overall and third in the class, she was filled with pride for her sister. 

"Our name is popular here at St. Mary's and I'm proud because we did our best up there," said Jinhua.

The sisters had agreed that their accomplishments were reminders of their shared journey at St. Mary’s since Year One.

Their mother, Ipu Qiao, who beamed with pride said she had no words to express how she felt when her girls received their awards.

 “They set a good example for all the kids here especially to appreciate all their parents,” Mrs Qiao said.

The sisters are considering Samoa College as their college for 2025.

The Deputy Principal of the Primary School, Vivienne Vaoliko said all the students were excited leading up to the prizegiving day especially, those who had received awards. 

The day also celebrated the graduation of all the Year 8 students attending colleges in 2025. It was confirmed by Vaoliko that 82 students graduated from the Class of 2024.

"They've (Year 8 cohort) been so good this year. So, hopefully, they will do the same at whatever school they attend next year," said Vaoliko.