"It's not about the prizes you get. It's about what you achieved, and your self-worth," said 13-year-old Izidor Mathew Lemisio, the dux of St. Peter Chanel Community Primary School for 2024.

Izidor, better known as "Izzy," has been a dedicated student at the school since Year 4 and expressed a deep sense of gratitude after being awarded the top overall student. Izzy said the influence around him helped him achieve the milestone.

"You always have to think good about yourself and you always have to surround yourself with people who think good about you," said Izzy.

Izzy is also the 2024 Head Boy for St. Peter Chane. He described his role as tough but rewarding.

"It was a pretty hard role. It meant that I had to take care of the school when I didn't want to - I didn't ask for the role, but I'm still forever grateful," said Izzy.

"I could never have asked for a better school. They were so respectful, and they were very nice to me." 

Izzy's close family members, including his aunts, cousins and grandmother, gathered to honour Izzy for his achievements. His awards were dedicated to these special people who meant the world to him.

"To my parents, my grandparents, my best friends, my cousins, my aunties, my teacher, everyone—thank you so much to all of them," he said.

"Thank you, Nana Jean, thank you Papa Savea, love you," he added. 

Izzy’s aunty, Michelle Lemisio, fought back tears as she watched her nephew thrive.  

"I'm proud and very happy that he's achieved so much in his young life. It's an understatement to say I am a proud aunty," said Michelle. 

"Both my parents have passed on and have not seen this. But I'm sure they're proud of him." 

Michelle acknowledged the support of Izzy's parents, Tili Malifa and Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio, who were unable to attend due to circumstances beyond their control but were present in spirit and virtually. 

"Seeing Izzy grow into the person that he is now and in his young life, we're so proud that he took out this award," said Michelle.

Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, Izzy is set to transition to Samoa College and expressed his readiness for the challenges that await him.

"I'm going to have to take things more seriously and work harder than I ever have before because I've been exposed to harder, more complex topics in education,"  said Izzy.

"I have to work hard and live up to my title as Dux here at St. Peter Chanel," added Izzy.

Izzy's academic excellence has been commendable, with first-place finishes in Social Studies, Mathematics, and English, alongside second place in Health and Physical Education and third place in Science.