Meet Olashore's 2014 best

With nine awards in Mathematics, English, Chemistry, Biology, Civic Education and Further Mathematics, Omolola Olaosebikan Adunni has emerged best graduating student in 2014 set of Olashore International School, Iloko, Ijesha, Osun State.

Just as a wise person would say the quickest way to receive the applause one desire is to keep working hard without it, and that those who work hard on their own in private usually end up receiving applause in public, the 16 year-old stole the show at the school's Valedictory Service held last week at the school's hall as she received thunderous applause from audience and all Olashore school students present.

As she was called to receive her prizes she walked to the stage as if she has been having the thought of a future applause all through her study years in the school.

According to her, hardwork, determination and God are her secret to success she told MedMetro.‎  

She said that she intends to study Medicine in the University of Ibadan unlike her other classmates who plan to go abroad to study. "The education system over there is different from here, I am used to the system here so I will study here first before travelling to work abroad if there is a need."

She advised her colleagues to learn to tolerate and live with different people saying that was what made school life less difficult for her. "There was no difficult time that I couldn't handle. I combined academics with extra-curricular activities without problems."

Her mum Mrs Olaosebikan Funmilayo wasn't left out of the celebration, she was there to support her daughter but she said she never thought her daughter would graduate as the best student.

"We didn't believe she would have the best result, we just supported her in her studies and made sure she worked hard. We also prayed for her and advised her on peer influence."

Asked if her daughter has always being intelligent she said yes. "She has always being intelligent but we cannot just rely on her intelligence without input from the school. She asked questions that would marvel you; things that you don't believe girls are age would ask when she was very young."

On his part, the Chairman of the event, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, UACN congratulated them on their graduation and asked what impact they have had on their classmates, friends, teachers, senior and junior and entire Olashore international school community.

He delivered a lecture titled: Into the real world where he asked the graduating students what they would be remembered for. "What is important today is not what impact you have made till this moment but what you wiil do in the remaining years of your journey in life," he told them.

The Vice-President (Multinationals) of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said in life one's privilege is also one's burden. "You have been privileged with your parents who have sent you to a great and good school like this. Your pocket have been full while those of your parents have emptied. They have given you the opportunity of a good head start. So the question is what will be the reward for their sacrifice to you and what will be the purpose of your life. As you leave this school and start making anxious plans about the future and say the tearful goodbyes to your friends, do not forget what you learnt here," he advised.

The 1^st Vice-President of the Nigeri Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) told the student that the whole purpose of training them is for them to be much tougher than what they have endured so far in primary and secondary school.

Mr Ettah who is also a Council Member, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said it is for them to be prepared for the much more difficult task of higher education, careers, building a family and making an impact in society.

"There will be temptations, distractions and hard choices for you to make along the way- parties instead of libraries, search of adventure which may lead to misadventures, fast living instead of focused life. Your choices will determine your prize or the price you will pay," not noted.

Principal of the school, Mr Derek Smith advised them to join other alumni to set standard wherever they go. "Be prepared for challenges that you will face in the world and take your place in the dynamic global society," he said.