The Marist Brothers Primary School dux for this academic year aspires to become a civil engineer one day and says he will work hard to make his dreams come true.

On Thursday the hall at the Catholic Church-run school was packed to capacity with students, teachers, parents, and guardians all converging on the school to mark the occasion.

Samuel is the youngest of his three siblings, the children of a proud mother, Sooalo Norma Matatia of the villages of Vaivase-Uta and Samauga Savaii.

The 12-year-old student topped his class and came first in Social Studies, Arts, and Health and Physical Education. He is also one of the three students who made it to Samoa College’s entrance exam.  

“Thanks must be returned to God because without his guidance I would not have been able to do this,” he told Observer. “I want to become a successful and rich engineer in the future. 

"It all started when I was in fourth grade and I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos and found it interesting. In order to attain this goal I need to work hard so that I can make this dream a reality for me and my family.”

His mother, Sooialo told this newspaper that she is overwhelmed by her son's achievement, given the fact that he wasn’t put through extra tutorials, and despite multiple disadvantages, he was able to pull through  

“I am firstly grateful to our heavenly father for he is the reason behind all of today’s success,” she said. “I admit that I wasn’t perfect at fulfilling my duties in assisting my son throughout school.

"But this is rewarding to all of us and this is what we (parents) want is to raise kids that persevere against all adversity”.

The Marist Brothers School Principal, Brother Siaosi Ioane said the school has concluded another academic year after overcoming many challenges.

He said in order for the students and the school to keep up and overcome their challenges, the involvement and contribution of their parents is essential. 

“Students learning need the support from both parents and the teachers,” he said. “The challenges that the school faced this year was a lot of unorganised and unplanned activities from the outside which interrupted the school schedule and activities”.

 Brother Ioane said the school started its enrollment for 2023 with 700-plus students but concluded the academic year with less than 600.