The Apii Takitumu Primary School dux prize for the top 2023 academic student of the school this year was awarded to Vanessa Tua-Trood from Ngatangiia.

Ten-year-old Tua-Trood, a Year 6 student, said she is proud of the “hard work” she has put into her academic studies and her 100% school attendance which were some of her goals in aiming for the prestigious dux award.

“I feel really good and proud of myself since I have studied hard.

“I’ve been here since pre-school and I have really enjoyed it, and also being with my friends,” she said.

Her mother, Maine Toa Tua-Frood was overcome with emotion regarding her young daughter’s achievements.

“We are so proud, this is a goal that she set for herself since the beginning of the year, she was determined to achieve the best attendance, to be an outstanding student and become the Dux, which she has done, she did it all,” said Maine.

Apii Takitumu held their academic and special awards presentation yesterday afternoon at the Revival Church in Matavera, which included special cultural performances by each class.

The awards were followed by a shared lunch with the parents, friends and families.