Falefitu Primary School dux Tashaline Lagalaga has credited her grandmother's prayers and fasting for her academic success this year.

The school's prize giving ceremony was held at the school hall on Tuesday morning where Tashaline was announced the top student of the school.

Tashaline of Faatoia and Maagao not only became the Dux of the primary school but also took out the the top awards in Visual Arts, English, Health and Physical Education and Mathematics.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Tashaline said she was shocked with her achievements but elated though she is sad to be finally leaving her school.

"I am happy and surprised. I also feel sad that I am leaving this school," she said. 

She has also been accepted by both the Samoa College and Avele College but she said that Samoa College is a school that she has always wanted to attend.

In terms of challenges she faced this year, she said there were times when she felt weak and also faced difficulties during her studies throughout the year.

Tashaline has been raised for many years by her grandmother, Eveline Lemafa Slade who on Tuesday was proud of her granddaughter's achievements.

"I am very happy that my child is now taken the first place at Falefitu Primary school," Mrs Slade told the Samoa Observer.

"And I have also found out that she has been accepted into Samoa College and Avele College."

Mrs. Lemafa said she is happy because of Tashaline's academic achievements and cried during the prize-giving ceremony because of her love for her granddaughter.

"Praise the Lord for everything," she said and added that the Lord has answered her fasting and prayers for her grandchild's examinations.