Vijendra Mani yesterday stood proud as he watched his son win the Dux award at Swami Vivekananda College in Nadi.

Vikash Goundar scooped awards for best Commerce student, first prize in his class, highest scorer in Year 13 Accounting and Computer Studies and the Human Excellence Awards along with the overall Dux 2016.

Mr Mani said Vikash, the youngest of his two children, was the first in his family to reach Year 13. He said he was excited because Vikash wanted to become an accountant.

Mr Mani said he only went as far as Year 8. His wife reached Year 9.

The farmer said he dropped out of school because his family was poor and could not afford the school fees. Today school fees are free.

But he worked hard to support his children in school.

Vikash also scored the highest mark in Year 12 English.

He said it was only his wish to scoop the Dux and now that he had he was thankful to his parents, teachers and friends for the continuous support and guidance.

“My parents were very helpful, they were always with me. If ever I needed anything they were there to provide for me,” he said.

Vikash wishes to pursue his career in the field of Accounting.

Mr Mani said: “I would like to thank the second parents of my son; his teachers who have helped him achieve his academic excellence throughout his school life.”

Mr Mani, who holds a position of manager-West at Narhari Electrical Company, says while he was unfortunate to end his school life in Year Eight, he was happy that his son was creating history with his academic achievements.

“My son has been doing well since class one, he also scooped Dux in class eight.”

He said Vikash would now go for his studies at the University of the South Pacific.

“But he will decide what he wants to study. He has worked hard to decide for himself.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: arishma.narayan-@fijisun.com.fj

Year 13 Subject Awards
English – Avineet Singh
Accounting – Vikash Goundar
Economics – Nikhil Nimish Narayan
Computer Studies – Vikash Goundar
Office Technology – Sital Swastika Prakash
Geography – Rusiate Natoga
History – Lorenzo Whippy
Agricultural Science – Praneel Chand Lal
Introduction to Technology – Vidit Mani
Home Economics – Litiana Nawaqavou

Prestigious Awards
Best Commerce Student – Vikash Goundar
Best TVET Student – Vidit Mani
Principal’s Prize – Nikhil Narayan
DUX – Vikash Goundar