Impeccable team work and discipline was shown by the Gospel High School students during their cadet pass-out parade at their school ground last week.
From perfect drill formation to great maneuvering skills, the cadets of Gospel High School did well after a grueling barrack week.
From maintaining discipline and team work throughout their training, the students were able to showcase a great drill routine.
Chief guest at the cadet pass-out parade was the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Land Force Commander, Brigadier General Onisivoro Niumataiwalu Covunisaqa.
Brig-Gen Covunisaqa in reviewing the parade said the students showed their dedication and commitment to their school cadet program.
“Congratulations and well done. You should be proud of what you have achieved with only a little time of preparation,” Brig-Gen Covunisaqa said to the cadets.
“Your performance on the parade ground today has shown that you have held on to the very high standards of your cadet corps and I must commend you on that.
“Today you have shown that you have grasped the aim of drill well and that is to produce a cadet that is alert and obedient and to provide the basis of team work and discipline.”
He said the traits of alertness, obedience, team work and discipline were cornerstones of successful armies or military forces around the world.
“To explain these traits simply in your context today, alertness is your awareness of yourself –what is happening around you,” he said.
“Being aware of your safety and the safety of those around you – in whatever circumstance you are in.”
In his address the Land Force Commander of the RFMF also spoke on obedience.
“Obedience is another cornerstone. Obedience to your parents, obedience to your teachers and your school prefects, is crucial,” he said.
“Being obedient will not only make you a better person, but also a successful one.”
The students also learned about the importance of teamwork and discipline from Brig-Gen Covunisaqa during the parade.
“Teamwork enables your organisation whether it’s your school, family, village or team to achieve more,” he said.
“Working individually may get you to a certain level of success but when it’s a team effort it’s always satisfying to all members of the group.
“When the goals are achieved, it brings a better relationship between members of the organisation.
“Finally discipline. Being disciplined will help you also with your studies. Sticking to your study timetable, staying away from the distractions of everyday life and focusing on your school work are good examples of discipline.
“In adopting and applying these traits you should be able to strive for the best in whatever you want to do despite the internal or external pressures of life.”
He hoped that those traits will add value to the students years of study at the school.
“As you pass-out from your school cadet corp barrack week – I thank you for your perseverance and resilience,” he said.
“You have done well and you should be proud of yourself with your achievements.
“This is not an easy feat; you have endured the hot sun and the strange and tedious voices of your military instructors. “You have not only made me proud, you have also made your parents and your school very proud.”
He thanked the school for allowing the RFMF to conduct the school’s cadet program and the instructors from the 3rd Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) for their hardwork in moulding the Gospel High School cadet corp. Brig-Gen Covunisaqa also wished the final year students all the best in their future endeavours.
“For the students that are leaving the school this year I wish you all the best in whatever career you wish to pursue,” he said.
“The world will be at your feet. I urge you to be bold, seek the good Lord and his counsel and be relentless in your pursuit of excellence.”
Baton of Honour recipient and the school head boy Leon Fox of Dreketi, Macuata said it was exciting to receive the award.
“It is very exciting and also emotional for me,” Fox said.
“I was hoping that my grandfather would be here to see me receive it.
“My grandfather had passed away in 2013 and I’ve always looked up to him growing up.
“He has always helped me and my family and I have always wished he was there in all of my accomplishments.”
Other awards for the day included best male cadet, best female cadet, best male platoon commander, best female platoon commander, best platoon drill, best company drill, best cleanliness compound, best discipline company and best overall.
Award recipients
- Best male cadet – Brian McKay from Vagadaci Levuka, Ovalau;
- Best female cadet – Caroline Talei Radinibenau of Natuvu, Saqani, Cakaudrove;
- Best male platoon commander – Immanuel Nelson of Ketei, Totoya, Lau;
- Best female platoon commander –Aliti Vunivalu of Namuka-i-Lau;
- Best platoon drill – St John House;
- Best company drill – St Luke House;
- Best cleanliness compound – St Mark House;
- Best discipline company – St
