Elizabeth Akava Akaruru, a 15-year-old with dreams of becoming a doctor, was named the top student of Nukutere College 2024.

Elizabeth expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout her educational journey.

“I feel very grateful, especially towards my parents, my teachers, mentors, and of course the school,” she said.

“They supported me throughout these five years.”

Reflecting on the challenges she faced this year, Elizabeth noted the difficulty of adapting to the new national learning standards introduced across the Cook Islands saying it was difficult throughout the whole year.

“It was very hard to keep up with, but I think with the dedication and the great learning techniques our teachers did to help us get through, I think that's what carried us this far.”

Elizabeth is passionate about pursuing a career in medicine, driven by her parents’ Nelson Akava and Martina Akaruru, encouragement and her own desire to help people.

“Hopefully I become a doctor or a marine biologist, one of the two,” she said. “The reason why I want to become a doctor in the future is mostly because of my parents—they pushed me towards it. Helping people as well, I like helping people too and want to get to know more people.”

Elizabeth also credited her success to her involvement with Korero o te Orau and their youth-focused group, Atui’anga ki te Tango, which broadened her understanding and supported her academic growth.

Her advice to her peers is simple yet profound, “Push through, and do your best…and always have faith in yourself.”

Elizabeth’s mother, Martina Akaruru said: “All the sacrifices, dedication, paid off.

“But the first main priority for her is God comes first. She’s a homely girl, doesn’t go out, and stays home, studies. And she makes sure she puts God first before anything else. So all that hard work paid off.”

Akaruru highlighted Elizabeth’s involvement with Atui’anga ki te Tango, noting that her commitment to the group has not only expanded her knowledge but also provided opportunities for leadership.

“She’s going out on a trip to Tahiti, representing the Cook Islands for volleyball,” Akaruru shared. “It all falls down to youth, helping out with the programme... Hopefully, she will become a leader for this country one day, to give back to our country and especially to help the youth of today and the future.”