Apii Avarua’s dux of the year Teiva Nanai is pictured with her younger Year 5 brother Avaikibo – who won an award for the most outstanding student in his class – and their proud parents Teeiau and Teava Nanai.

She is looking forward to attending Tereora College next year and with a flair for colour and design, Teiva says her dream is to become a fashion designer.

Teiva believes in “studying hard and always doing your best” to keep focused and not to worry about what others think.

Her parents were very surprised at their daughter’s academic achievement. “I was shocked, but we are really happy and very proud of her,” said Teiva’s mother Teeiau.

Apii Avarua’s 1^st Runner-up dux award went to Aumoana Inamata and the 2^nd runner-up dux awardee is Trinity Ponini.

The other dux of the year awardees are: Apii Takitumu - Teuruaa Goldsworthy; Apii Te Uki Ou - Eitia Taylor; and Apii St Joseph’s - Henry Michael Williams.

There will more on prize giving events next week in Cook Islands News.