Church College Fiji celebrated its outstanding students, with Year 13 graduate Jacinta Patrick — who is originally from Rabi Island — receiving the esteemed Lion of the Lord Award 2025.
Jacinta told fijivillage News that the award recognises students who completed the seminary studies.
She says that studying away from home came with challenges, including moments of loneliness and missing her family, especially when she fell ill.
Despite this, she says she found comfort and belonging among her dorm family and classmates, whose support helped her feel at home throughout her school journey.
She dedicates her award to two key influencers in her life.
Jacinta first expressed deep gratitude to the Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, acknowledging their guidance and strength through every high and low.
She says their presence carried her during moments when both her parents could not physically be with her.
Her second dedication goes to her mum, who she praises for instilling strong values that shaped her character.
Jacinta believes these values helped her stand out among her peers and contributed to her receiving the award.
She also shares a message for the youth of Fiji, encouraging young people to seek the Lord and stay close to Him, saying faith provides strength to overcome challenges such as peer pressure, bullying and family struggles.
Jacinta further highlights the importance of honouring parents, saying it brings respect and blessings into one’s life.
@fijivillage.com Jacinta Patrick awarded Lion of the Lord award at Church College Fiji
♬ original sound - fijivillage
She acknowledges the teachers, faculty, dorm parents and students at Church College Fiji, adding that their love and support played a crucial role in her success.
She says the school community has become like a second family to her.
Proud mother, Alice Corrie, has also expressed deep gratitude and joy after her daughter received the school’s highest honour, the Lion Award.
Speaking after the ceremony, she reflected on her daughter’s journey and the powerful role that faith has played in their family’s life.
Corrie, who has five children, says she is overwhelmed with pride at the woman her daughter has become.
She says her daughter’s strong foundation in faith and her steadfast relationship with God shaped her character and contributed greatly to her achievements.
She also spoke openly about her experience as a single mother, saying she and the children’s father separated when the children were very young.
From that point on, she carried the responsibility of raising five children alone.
Despite the challenges, she says she never felt abandoned because her faith carried her through.
