Year 13 student Laveaina Faitele has been named the dux of the Faleata College for this academic year and was also the top student in accounting, mathematics, economics and computer studies.

Her academic achievements were announced during the college’s prize-giving ceremony at the Faleata College hall on Wednesday.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer after the prize-giving ceremony, Laveaina said she is pleased with the effort she put into her studies with the outcome welcomed by her parents and family.

She said that the biggest challenge she faced between Year 9–13 was maintaining her focus and putting God first in everything she did.

"Because in my belief this is why my efforts are now successful because of the love and kindness of the Lord," Laveaina said.

"I understand that other people rely on their knowledge put to me as a person who is able to achieve this high achievement.

“My thanks first of all goes to God because of this important opportunity that has enabled me to receive this important award."

On her way to being named the dux of the college, she was announced as the top student in accounting, mathematics, economics and computer studies subjects.

Asked whether she has a preference for either the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) or the University of South Pacific, Laveaina said she will wait for her Samoa Secondary Leaving Certificate (S.S.L.C.) results and leave the rest to the lord.

"I felt happy, I was shocked that I was able to achieve this and to be able to get this place which is dux of Year 13," she said.

Looking back on the challenges she experienced during her academic journey, Laveaina  cautioned her up-and-coming peers, saying it was not easy. 

"Because of my belief from my journey throughout Year 9 to Year 10, especially the Year 12 to Year 13, it is not easy, it is difficult," she said.

"But my advice is to put God first in everything.

Laveaina also thanked the college principal, vice-principal and the teachers for their support during her struggles and acknowledged the church for their prayers.

"I would also like to thank my parents, my dad Faitele and my mother Kitiana and also my family from Saleimoa, and Savaii,” she said. 

Laveaina is from the villages of Toamua uta, Saleimoa, Asau and Falealupo.