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16 February, 2026, 7:58 am
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16 February, 2026, 7:58 am Central - 23°C Clouds

Paradise Rootz and The Gang members relive school days at Grammar’s 65th Sapphire celebration
$11,900 collected during kava barrell

Paradise Rootz and The Gang members relive school days at Grammar’s 65th Sapphire celebration

$11,900 collected during kava barrell

By Pita Toganivalu
11/09/2025
Paradise Rootz band member, Tawake Jackson and Ilisoni Lesumailepanoni, who is also the lead singer of The Gang

It was a special night for Paradise Rootz band member, Tawake Jackson and Ilisoni Lesumailepanoni, who is also the lead singer of The Gang, as they reconnected with former Suva Grammar School classmates during a kava barrel hosted by the 2010 decade as part of the school’s 65th Sapphire Anniversary celebrations.

Lesumailepanoni, who attended Grammar from 2005 to 2009, recalled the school’s dominance in sports during his time.

He also reflected on his participation as a second year inter-grade athlete for Grammar in 2007 when they claimed the overall boys’ division title at the Coca Cola Games.

Jackson, who attended Grammar in 2009, says he and other old scholars made it a priority to join this week’s events.

Both men shared how the celebrations were nostalgic, reminding them of daily athletics training, student life, and early morning prayer walks before big matches.

They added that the occasion was also a chance to reconnect with fellow old scholars and strengthen lifelong bonds formed at Grammar all those years ago.

Meanwhile, the old scholars collected over $11,900, which will go towards the 65th Jubilee project, 'Digital Grammar', to equip the school with the tools and infrastructure for the digital age.

With festivities continuing through the week, Jackson encouraged more former students to join the celebration and uphold the Grammar spirit.

The celebrations continue tomorrow night with the 2010 decade hosting the Rumble in the Jungle event, while the final celebration, the Grand Ball, will be held on Saturday night at the Vodafone Arena.

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