Exploits by Fiji students in Waikato school sports, particularly rugby, are well known. Many were head-hunted by schools rugby first 15 coaches to bolster their teams because of their exceptional talents and abilities.

Former Ratu Kadavulevu School and later former Hamilton Boys High School student Savenaca Tokula, a member of the Gordon Tietjens NZ's 7s team, was one of them.

This year Fiji students have added a new dimension to their contribution to Waikato schools.

Three students created history when they were installed in two schools student body leadership. At Church College in Temple View, Hamilton, cousins Jared Whippy (ex Fiji LDS College student, Tamavua) and Netava Whippy (ex St Annes student Suva) were installed as head boy and head girl respectively.

At Hamilton Girls High, Nanise Kabakoro (ex Grammar School student) was installed as a deputy head girl. The Whippys are cousins. JaredÂÂs father is Paul Whippy, former National Basketball coach, and manager of the LDS Church business office in Suva and his mother is Olive, Westpacs Human Resources Manager. Netava'™s father is Michael, who owns a Suva-based surveying business, and is the current national basketball coach. Her mother is Caroline who works at the University of the South Pacific. Michael is Paul's younger brother.

Nanise's parents are Joe and Laisani Kabakoro, who are both senior Inland Revenue Department officers. Mr Kabakoro was a double international in soccer and basketball. He was also a former Suva soccer and basketball rep.

Getting a student body leadership position is not easy. It is contested and highly competitive because applicants know it will look good on their CV and it is a wonderful opportunity to develop their leadership potential.

It also opens doors to scholarship possibilities. Applicants go through several rigorous vetting processes which allow students and teachers to vote the best people in. What the schools look for are role models who display confidence and command respect.

A celebration to mark the three Fiji students achievements was hosted at the residence of Nemani and Asenaca Delaibatiki in Hamilton.

The students shared their experiences and said they were privileged and honored to be given the positions knowing they were overseas students competing with Kiwis.

They paid tribute to their parents for teaching them values and qualities, they admitted, helped them to get through.

Host Mrs Delaibatiki, an independent midwife, who champions education in Hamilton, stressed the importance of education.

Education is knowledge. Knowledge is power. Power is money. Education will free us from the shackles of poverty, ignorance, low self esteem and hopelessness. Education opens many doors to development, progress and prosperity. It will allow you to travel the world, she said.

She acknowledged the students achievements saying it was the first step to a long journey. She said if they remained focused they could achieve their dreams and aspirations.

Mrs Delaibatiki said the students parents had invested their resources into their education and they expected a positive return for their investment. Ken Williams, the deputy principal of Church College, said the Whippys deserved their appointments. They were role models for the students. Hamilton Girls High School principal Mary Anne Baxter said given the fact this was only Nanise's second year at the school, it was a remarkable achievement. She said teachers just loved Nanise. Her behaviour and conduct were exemplary.

The function was attended by other Fiji students and their host families who were welcomed in the Fijian traditional manner. They later enjoyed a feast of Fijian staple food.

The Fiji Sun Online

Saturday 08 April, 2009