Aukuso Emmanuel Tausili of Vailoa Faleata and Fusi Safotulafai is the Samoa College dux after he excelled in five subjects to top Year 13 this year.

He was among the college's top academic achievers who were recognised in a prize-giving ceremony on Thursday and decided his achievement to the memory of his late mother Oina Tausili who passed away when he was in Year 9.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Aukuso said he wished his mother could have witnessed him receive the college's top student award.

“I wish my mom was here to see me take the school’s top honour. Nevertheless, I’d like to acknowledge the support of my father, Tavita Tausili who has always been very supportive and pushed me to prioritise my studies,” he said.

Looking back at his academic journey, the college dux said it was not easy, especially due to the adverse effects of the coronavirus and the S.O.E restrictions brought on by the pandemic.

“There were ups and downs along the way, but I’m glad that me and my fellow Year 13 colleagues were able to complete our last year here at Samoa College,” he said.

“I know that this year was a rough year because our studies were affected a lot by the lockdowns for the national vaccination drive in the past months, but we did not let those circumstances deter us from seeking academic knowledge and wisdom."

Aukuso said he didn’t expect to get the top award but was nevertheless thankful to the Lord for his blessings.

He came first in Physics, Mathematics, Computing, Chemistry and Biology which he says is the subject that interests him the most and is keen to get a science degree from the National University of Samoa.

"Ever since Year 9 I've always liked science, specifically biology. I want to become a biology professor for the National University of Samoa so that I can give back to the nation that born me," he said.

“As a field of science, biology helps us understand the living world and the ways its many species (including humans) function, evolve and interact. 

"Advances in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and many other areas of biology have brought improvements in the quality of life."

Aukuso Tausili is the son of Tavita Tausili and Oina Tausili of the villages of Vailoa and Fusi Safotulafai.

A female student Mareta Malifa was the runner-up to Aukuso and took first placing in History and Geography and was the college's top  English student in Year 13 and subsequently took out the Samoa Observer prize.