Valedictorian Dedicates Award To The Memory Of Her Late Great Grandmother
Falefitu Primary Dux Philliajarcarie Tia Pulega with her family.
Photo : Eyespy Radio
The Dux of Falefitu Primary School's Year-8 this year, Philliajarcarie Tia Pulega, who hails from the villages of Magiagi and Safata, stated upon receiving the school's top award that she wished her maternal great grandmother Sinatala Laulelei who passed away a fortnight ago, was present to witness her achievement.
Falefitu Primary School's hall was filled with parents and families of the students as they commemorated the end of this academic year. The thirteen-year-old Philliajarcarie conveyed during an interview with Eyespy Radio during the graduation ceremony that her "nana" was a loving figure she looked to as a role model as she grew up.
"I really miss the fun times I used to have together with her. She was a very strong woman who I looked up to as I observed she was an active, hardworking and very energetic person despite her age, Mama this one's for you," she said.
The mother of Falefitu's top student in Year-8 this year, Mrs. Keren Isa'ako Tupa'i, said that she gives glory and praise to God for guiding her daughter throughout her academic journey this year.
"Words cannot express how I am feeling right now," the teary mother stated.
"Seeing my daughter complete her Primary School education and move on to another step next year just fills me with pride. The only regret I have is that my grandmother isn't here with us today, Sinatala Laulelei, who passed away two weeks ago," she said.
Philliajarcarie will be attending Samoa College next year after successfully completing the school's entrance exams last month. "I sat both entrance exams for Avele and Samoa College, however I've chosen Samoa College because of its close vicinity to where I stay (Magiagi).
"During the entrance exams, I really enjoyed the English test, but the Mathematics paper was very difficult. I'm just glad I passed," she said with a smile.
The young lass is not quite sure yet what she aspires to be or what sort of career she'll pursue when she matures, but said that she just hopes to inspire people like the way her "nana" did. "If I become a strong individual like she was, then I can do anything. She always said that if you pray and work hard, then anything is possible.
Philliajarcarie's younger sister also took the top prize for Year 7, with mother Keren saying their great grandmother played a big role in their lives ensuring that they studied and worked hard.
"She was very instrumental in nurturing my two daughters. She taught them the values of a true Samoan "tama'ita'i" which is to strive for the best," said Keren.