It was an exciting moment for Taupaopao’s family when she was named the top student for George Brown Primary School for this academic year.

Taupaopao Maliumai Choo Koon is the eldest child Jeronimo Choo Koon and Elbienomakisa Paletaoga from the villages of Falelima and Malie.

The 12-year-old student received her trophy at the prize-giving ceremony on Wednesday at Wesley College Hall after topping her class and taking first place in Social Studies, Science, and Computer.

Ms. Choo Koon attributes her accomplishments to God's goodness and guidance throughout her path, as well as her teacher and parents for their constant encouragement.

 “Today, I would like dedicate my achievement to our heavenly Father for His goodness and for guiding me throughout my journey this year,” she said. “It was a very tough competition but He made it possible for me.

“I would also like to give thanks to my parents and my teacher, Togia Palemene for their words of encouragement that pushed me to try my best and for assisting me with studies whenever I needed them.

She said in spite of not having much time for her studies at home, she is grateful and blessed because all her efforts and hard work for her last minute studies paid off.

“Even though that I did not have that much time to do my studies at home because of our chores, I am beyond grateful because all the efforts that I put in to my last minute studies has finally paid off.”

Her father, Jeronimo Choo Koon expressed his excitement for her daughter's achievement and he is hopeful that Taupaopao will continue to do great in the future

"As parents, we are so excited to witness our daughter's achievements for this year," he said. "I am so thankful to God for the wisdom and His blessing upon our family.

"This is not the end of her journey, she will be moving on to the new academic level next year so it's going to be a new environment and experience , we prayed that Taupaopao will continue to do great and have faith in God."

According to Ms. Choo Koon, she has already set a goal to become a teacher in the future, her passion is to create a better world for children through education.

"My passion is to create a better world for our children in the future and I believe that becoming a teacher is going to help me achieve that goal."