STUDENTS must brace themselves for the bigger world which will they ultimately have to face.
This was emphasised by former journalist and regional communications adviser, Sadhana Sen, while officiating as a chief guest at Jasper Williams High School’s annual awards day this week.
“Learn to recognise wrong from right, be brave enough to stand up to what is right, be it bullies in school or someone forcing a friend to take drugs, saying it is a cool thing to do, or forcing them to peddle drugs, saying it is to help the family’s income,” she said.
Ms Sen also commended the students who received awards.
“You came to school, you took advantage of that privileged school’s offer for us to gain knowledge, learn new things, sometimes interesting, sometimes awfully boring, but we are fortunate to live in Fiji and not in a country like Afghanistan.
“For those who will not get presents, this is a celebration too. You have allowed yourself that privilege to gain knowledge that the school curriculum offers you; that is a celebration that you put value on that.”
Year 13 student Shania Sera Talei Kumar won the Dux of the Year award for scoring 326 out of 400 in the annual examination.
“I got the highest marks for Biology and for Life Maths, and want to study in a science field, and I’m thankful for my family and parents’ support,” Kumar said.
Kumar’s awards included the Dux Shield, a $200 prize sponsored by the Jasper Williams Former Students Association, and the Dr Samuela Kata Science Student of the Year Award, with a $150 prize sponsored by the Kata family.
