Apii Avarua celebrated the academic achievements of their students on Tuesday at the school grounds that was filled with bright colours, singing, dancing, flowers, and proud smiles from parents, families and friends.

Both students and teachers came out in their best and brightest attire for a big day of celebration to award their top performers for the hard work that they had put throughout the year.

The ceremony took place at the Matakura Dome at 8.30am with Reverend Travel Makara opening the service with a sermon. The whole assembly then stood to sing the national anthem and school song before addresses were given by the school’s Parent Teacher Association chairlady Mrs Myra Patai and principal Engia Baxter.

The highlight of the morning was the whole school production which was performed by the entire student body before awards were presented.

The awards were presented starting with the ECE (Early Childhood Education) and Year 1 classes going up to the senior Year 8 classes.

Performances were held between award presentations for each year level. The major awards were then presented.

Dux of the Year prize went to Raetea Rongo. Rongo also received the award for High Achiever in Mathematics and the Most Outstanding Student of the Year. First runner up for Dux went to Tamatea Ringi and Edward Patai settled for the second runner up Dux prize.

The sports boy and girl champion of the year went to Tashi Kopu and Tahitoa Webb. Most improved student prize went to Purotu Papera.

Principal Engia Baxter commended Rongo for her achievements and for receiving the Dux title for the year. “Keep reaching for the stars,” she said.

Rongo made the ceremony extra special by dedicating a performance in Maori to her late cousin.

“On behalf of us, the year eight’s, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of all the teachers of Apii Avarua and our principal Baxter Vaine who have guided us and tolerated us throughout our journey here at Apii Avarua. Meitaki ma’ata from the bottom of our hearts,” she said.

Rongo apologised on behalf of her and her classmates for the times they misbehaved but added that she was sure the teachers would all agree it was all a part of their learning.

“We finally made it to the last year of primary school. We have shared, learnt, and built memories together that I believe will last a lifetime!”

Rongo described her last year at the school as exciting, challenging, fun and a good stepping stone to what is to come in college next year.

She congratulated all those who had received an award on the day, and to those who hadn’t, she encouraged them not to give up but to keep working hard and “to let today be an inspiration to work harder as hard work does pay off”. “Try your best to always aim for the stars!”