By praying and fasting over his role as parade commander for the Levuka Public School cadet passing-out parade, Vilimoni Kevu managed to command one of the best school parades to be held in Fiji.
The Levuka Public School’s head boy and parade commander with his cadets showcased perfect manoeuvring skills and synchronised timing during their passing-out parade at Nasau Park in Levuka, Ovalau last week – with many labelling the parade as one of the best to be witnessed.
Kevu, who hails from Silana Village in Dawasamu, Tailevu with maternal links to Navuloa Village in Bureta, Ovalau, led by example – displaying discipline and good leadership skills during the parade.
In four detachments, the LPS cadet corps only had two weeks to learn the foot-drills with many participating, for the first time, in the military parade.
The school holds its military parade every five years as its done in conjunction with the school’s anniversary celebrations, so all cadets were new to the training.
“Something that really challenged us during our training was having the military instructors teach us the basics of the foot-drill,” Kevu said.
“It not only taught us discipline and being obedient to commands it also taught us more about having good conduct and behaviour.”
The 18-year-old was the recipient of the baton of the honour award.
“I didn’t expect to get the baton of honour award because like the other students it’s our first time on parade for the school,” he said.
“The school has its passing-out parade every five years as it held with the school anniversary so the award came as a surprise.”
He said like a team, the cadets learned to overcome the challenges of military training together.
He thanked God for guiding him towards something new.
“I thank God for his guidance and for allowing me to overcome the challenges I faced during training – from learning the commands to following instructions, I’ve become a good leader because of it.
“The first time I had learned the commands I made a lot of mistakes. I prayed and fasted over the new role I was given, and it turned out good – with no errors made.”
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces chief staff officer International Defence Cooperation, Lieutenant Colonel Daunivakasala Kalitabua Ravunakana was chief guest at the passing-out parade.
He spoke to the students about maintaining discipline and being honourable citizens.
“The cadet program is more than just drills and uniforms, the school cadet training programs in Fiji high schools play a pivotal role in shaping the character and discipline of students amid a global backdrop of shifting behaviours and diminishing respect for others,” Lt. Col Ravunakana said.
“The marching exercises are not merely about physical endurance but is also about instilling a sense of unity and teamwork.”
He told the LPS cadets that the discipline they have learned fosters values such as integrity, responsibility and service quality that are vital for any leader in any community.
The parade was part of the school’s 145th anniversary celebration
