Receiving the baton of honor at Natabua High School’s cadet passing-out parade was a momentous occasion for head boy Josefata Naisili on Friday.
Mr. Naisili led a parade of 1,276 students who demonstrated drills and formations after eight weeks of preparation.
“Everything has a beginning and an end. Coming in as Year Nine students, we were eager to learn, but time flies so fast that now we are Year 13 and in our final year,” said Mr. Naisili.
“It’s a sentimental moment, filled with memories within these walls, and knowing that we will leave at the end of the year is quite sad, but life must go on.”
The 18-year-old native of Matacawalevu, Yasawa, with maternal ties to Naisisili, Yasawa, reflected on his four years at the Lautoka school.
He praised the student body for their teamwork in staging an impressive pass out parade. “Cadet training is part of us; it is special.”
“For eight weeks, we trained once a week. In weeks nine and ten, we increased to twice a week, and this week was our barrack week, focusing on perfecting our moves for today’s parade,” he said.
“With great roles come great responsibilities, and I’m honored to be leading the school.”
He urges his junior colleagues to seize every opportunity.
“Take every opportunity that comes your way, because once it’s gone, it becomes a memory you can do nothing about,” he said.