Gideon Tegumaila has been elected as the head boy at Saint Thomas High School in Lautoka after a year marked by prayer and fasting. Alongside him, Olive Bennion has been appointed head girl, together stepping into significant leadership roles at the school.
Originating from Lawaki Village in Yasawa and the youngest of three siblings, Gideon has actively participated in school activities, notably serving as a rugby referee during Year 11. His refereeing skills have been invaluable as he helped prepare his school for the Deans Trophy competition, later becoming recognized as one of the referees within the Yasawa Rugby Union for the Skipper Cup.
Gideon views true leadership as selflessness, emphasizing, “To me, true leadership is sacrificing your life for others.” He aims not only to make a difference within his school but also to impact his wider community and his family, expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who elected him for his commitment to serve. Acknowledging the challenges faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, he plans to use earnings from his refereeing to provide food for underprivileged classmates and support his family.
Gideon’s work ethic has been shaped by his father’s farming and his mother’s role as a housekeeper. He has taken initiative during school holidays, even forgoing government assistance to contribute to his education. He and his mother worked together to sell fish at local markets for his school supplies, highlighting his proactive leadership and sense of responsibility.
Looking toward the future, Gideon aspires to become a pilot and intends to leverage his leadership role to address significant social issues, such as drug abuse in schools. He is determined to collaborate with teachers and fellow students to tackle these pressing challenges.
Gideon’s story reflects a growing trend of inspiring youth leadership in Fiji, akin to that of Vasitia Waqaninavatu, the new head girl at Waiqele Primary School, and Isoa Dakunimata, the head boy at Marist Brothers High School. Their ambitions illustrate a collective desire among young leaders in Fiji to enact positive change in their communities.
The leadership journeys of these students reveal the resilience and resolve among Fiji’s youth. They not only motivate their peers but also represent a beacon of hope for a brighter future, demonstrating that with dedication and compassion, young leaders can cultivate an encouraging and supportive atmosphere for others.
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