Fiji’s Academic Star: Meet the 13-Year-Old Who Scored 491 Out of 500!

Viola Ravutubananitu, a Year Eight student at Tagitagi Sangam Primary School in Tavua, has distinguished herself as her school’s top scorer in the Fiji Eighth Year Examination. This outstanding 13-year-old achieved a remarkable score of 491 out of a possible 500 marks, attributing her success to the unwavering support of her family and her strong faith in God.

Hailing from Totoya, Lau, with familial ties in Tavualevu, Tavua, Viola expressed her deep gratitude for the encouragement she received at home throughout her academic journey. “First and foremost, I thank the Almighty,” she stated, highlighting her faith as a cornerstone of her achievement. Viola took great pride in her hard work and determination, sharing, “I started preparing from the beginning of the year, staying up late to study and waking up early to revise.”

She dedicated her remarkable achievement to her late grandfather, Aisake Ravutubananitu, her grandmother, and her parents. Viola reflected on her grandfather’s passing, saying, “When my grandpa passed away, I felt like I lost a part of me because he always supported me.” She acknowledged the vital role her faith played during challenging times, affirming, “I thank the Heavenly Father for never leaving my side.”

Viola also expressed her appreciation for her grandmother, Ro Vani Ravutubananitu, for her constant encouragement, along with her class teacher, Nazeel Ali, and the supportive staff at her school. Coming from a family with her father serving as a corrections officer and her mother as a homemaker, Viola has ambitions to attend Adi Cakobau School (ACS) next year, attracted by its reputation for fostering strong and independent women.

Viola’s determination and resilience have made her not only a point of pride for her family but also for her school community. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, faith, and support systems in achieving one’s goals and dreams.

This inspiring journey highlights the importance of perseverance and the role of community support in educational success. As students like Viola continue to rise through dedication and encouragement, they pave the way for future generations, demonstrating that dreams can be realized with effort and faith.