Head boy Josefata Naisili’s receipt of the baton of honor at the Natabua High School cadet passing-out parade on Friday marked a noteworthy milestone.
Mr. Naisili led a parade featuring 1,276 students who showcased their drills and formations after eight weeks of dedicated preparation.
“Everything has a beginning and an end. When we started in Year Nine, we were eager to learn, but time has flown by, and here we are as Year 13 students, preparing to graduate,” Mr. Naisili remarked.
He expressed nostalgia, stating, “It’s a sentimental moment. This school holds so many memories for us, and knowing we will be leaving at the end of the year is bittersweet, but life must continue.”
The 18-year-old, originally from Matacawalevu in Yasawa, and with family ties to Naisisili, Yasawa, reflected on the four years spent at the Lautoka institution.
He praised his fellow students for their teamwork, which contributed to the successful parade. “Cadet training is an integral part of our lives; it feels special,” he added.
Over the past eight weeks, the students trained weekly, increasing to twice a week in the final weeks, culminating in a focused barrack week designed to perfect their moves for the passing-out ceremony.
“With great roles come great responsibilities, and I feel honored to lead the school,” he stated, encouraging junior students to seize every opportunity available to them.
“Take every chance that comes your way; once an opportunity is lost, it becomes a memory that cannot be changed,” he advised.