Christina Tuamalii, a 12-year-old who aspires to pursue a career in accounting, achieved the recognition of 2023 Leulumoega Primary School dux, but she knows she still has a long way to go before she can attain her career goal.

The pupils of Leulumoega Primary School had a memorable day on Friday when their achievements received recognition in front of close companions at their prize-giving celebration.

On top of being dux, Christina claimed top place in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and was rewarded with a scholarship from the Malaesaili Family.

The Malaesaili Scholarship which only began recently sponsors an individual, providing funding to cover the recipient's college tuition next year and will continue for the following year.

Christina is the daughter of  Tainalua and Tommy Tuamalii from the village of Leaulumoega.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer following the prize presentation, the top student acknowledged her family, stating that they served as her main source of inspiration and pillar of support during her academic career.

"Right now, I'm feeling quite content and overwhelmed. It's such a wonderful accomplishment, and I could not have done it without their unwavering support—financially, spiritually, and emotionally.

“I’ve been so fortunate because of them, especially my parents. They have shown love, patience, and commitment to me by being supportive of my academic journey and I hope I have made them proud.

"I'm praying to God for the strength to pursue my goals and my desire of becoming an accountant in the future because I know that nothing is impossible when we put our trust in Him.

Tommy Tuamalii, her father, is grateful for the Parents Teachers Association's unwavering support in ensuring the school and students succeed.

He said he appreciates the Malaesaili family for the scholarship, which will greatly benefit his family's plans for Christina's academic future.

“I’d like to thank the Parents and Teachers Association (P.T.A.) and the educators for their years of hard work in order for our children to succeed, I am grateful for their support in all ways.

“I consider myself fortunate as my daughter has received the Malaesili scholarship, which will greatly assist my family and my daughter's educational expenses in the upcoming academic year. Much obliged, and may God reward you.”

Ms. Tuamalii declared that she was going to celebrate the achievwment with her family but she is secretly preparing herself for a new challenge. She is optimistic about her capacity to achieve her goals as her family is always there to motivate her.

She is hopeful that her next move will be to a school she loves, which will be a great learning environment and a positive experience.

We are so proud to have partnered with Leulumoega Primary School to establish a first of it’s kind scholarship aimed at recognising and rewarding students who strive for excellence and outstanding performance.

Established in 2023, the annual Malaesaili Scholarship is based on academic merit, and is awarded to the year 8 student who is named Dux of Leulumoega Primary School. This scholarship provides the recipient with an award of $1,000 wst to assist with the costs associated with secondary education related expenses.

Meanwhile the family behind the scholarship said that as a family, their mission is crystal clear, to be of service to others and to give back to the community.

"This school is very dear to our heart, and is very sentimental to us having had many family members attend this school throughout the years. The school hall has also been used to celebrate milestone birthdays so we have lots of fond memories here," said Malaesaili Fagafua Soesa.

"We believe that education is one of the most important aspects of a child's life because it helps children to develop skills that are essential for success so we feel very blessed to play even a small part in that.

"This is just the starting point for us, we are committed to continue to work with the school to identify other areas where we can provide support."