It is not everyday that high school students receive the privilege of going to the same school or being friends with girls that have won medals let alone participate in a sporting event as big as the South Pacific Games.

That’s why at St Mary’s College last Tuesday there was reason to celebrate as they had not one but three of their peers back after competing in the games.

Aileen Meredith, Leleaga Meredith and Ana Loimata Ioane were the three celebrities at school that day as teachers and students took time out from the normal routine to acknowledge their tremendous efforts during the games.

The dynamic duo and sister’s Aileen and Leleaga Meredith represented Samoa in golf where Aileen snatched the bronze medal in the Ladies Division and won silver with younger sister Leleaga in the Ladies Team.

The other athlete and one of the school sprinters Miss Ana Loimata Ioane is a year ten student that played for the Team Samoa- Touch Rugby Mixed Division won a gold medal after playing a key role in the team’s success.

All three young ladies have big ambitions, and are extremely eager to develop their level and skill of playing and realize their future sporting goals, including a chance to play in other international tournaments as this would also prove to be a good way of raising Samoa’s sports profile.

They do keep in mind though that education is very important and they are glad to know that they have the support of St. Mary’s College behind them.

“It is really great to come back to school and see that there are people that really care and are showing support. A great part of our success is thanks to St. Mary’s College. It is a great place not only for learning but being around great, inspiring people and friends, it is like coming home to our family,” says one of the happy athletes.

The girls all agreed that they are ‘humbled’ by what their school has done for them.

“It was very nice of them, to be considerate of our role in the games.”

School teacher, Loretta Ulugia says that it was a special ceremony to acknowledge the efforts of three special girls.

“Today (Tuesday) we are congratulating the girls for the hard work put in during the games, it is great to know that we have in our midst such talented young ladies. That is what we do here at St. Mary’s is help our girls to realize their potentials and utilize their talents whether it is academically related or in sports.”

Ulugia believes that these girls are setting a good example for the other girls to follow.

However the celebration was not limited to only the athletes but also to some of the school students and teachers that had an invaluable contribution in the games by performing at the opening and closing ceremonies of the games.

“Those students also worked hard and deserve to be acknowledged after weeks of endless practice to perfect the games. It is good to know we also played an outstanding role in helping Samoa to host the games.”

Aileen, Leleaga and Ana will now return to familiar surrounding of the school classrooms and the books but they will never forget enduring such an awesome experience such as the South Pacific Games and the support of such a wonderful school.

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