The Head Boy of Leififi College has topped his 2021 graduating class, thanking the belief that a hard work ethic returns rewards and the support of his family for his achievements. 

A wise son heeds his father's instructions, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother, so said Setalalelei Suani Sagapolutele as he made his parents overwhelmed with joy after being declared this year’s Dux of Leififi College on Thursday. 

The prize giving was held at the school compound under two large tents where it was filled with hundreds of students, teachers, parents and families.

Setalalelei is the youngest child of nine of his parents Utaulu Suani and Tulia Suani Sagapolutele from the villages of Fagalii, Malaemalu Falealili, Saleapaga. 

The 18-year-old topped his class, and came first in English, Samoa, Maths, Economics, and Accounting.  

“I would like to give back the glory and thanksgiving to God, without the Lord’s guidance and help, I would have never achieved this,” Setalalelei said.

He said that it is God’s gift through wisdom and knowledge that has enabled him to do well in school.

“I admit there were challenges, we do a lot of reading but I depend on God because nothing is impossible to Him," Setalalelei said. 

“I thank everyone that helped me with my school work especially my family members through studies and financially.”

When asked about his future aims, Setalalelei said that his ambition is to be an auditor.

“It is because I have an interest in finances on how businesses spend their money," he said.

“I am now awaiting results for the national exams.

“Education is significant because this is part of the qualifications needed when applying for a job to earn a living.”

When talking about his leadership as the Head Boy of the school he said that leadership experience taught him the value of humility. 

“You have to uphold values such as respect for others, be humble before the Lord because he will exalt you in the future," he said. 

This is the fifth year in which he has topped all his classes.

“My heart is filled with joy because without God’s help, I would not have reached such a big achievement," he said. 

“I dedicate this success to my parents but also my whole family.”

His father, Utaulu said all gratitude must be returned to God.

“As a father, it is important that a parent teaches their child accordingly to obey and be a good boy and with honesty but do not let children have their way and yet it is not right," he said.