Lelean Memorial School celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 6, 1992, and an article on the event was published three days later by The Fiji Times.
Former and students of the school, parents and invited guests were at Davuilevu, Nausori, for the occasion. Chief guest Ro Teimumu Kepa, who deputised for her sister, the Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Lady Lala Mara, said the school had produced “many fine people … who made their mark in all walks of life in Fiji”.
“It has also produced academics including more than 30 PhDs, Mas, graduates and undergraduates.
“The school has produced lawyers, barristers and solicitors for government service and private sectors. “Lelean has produced educationalists.
“It has produced many doctors, including the present Minister for Health (Dr Apenisa Kurisaqila) and principal of the Fiji School of Medicine (Dr Jimione Samisoni).
“The mark of a true old scholar of Lelean is whatever his own role, he carries it out with dignity, faithfulness and great humility.
“He is an achiever. This is true of the old students of Lelean — both men and women. All have served faithfully.”
Ro Teimumu said the external exam results of students were of great interest to other secondary schools which were better equipped than Lelean.
On development, she said the school was planning to build more classrooms that year and the technical and teacher’s training was on the agenda.
“These developments will have far-reaching effects on the lives of the people of Fiji,” she said.
“Your past students have contributed a great deal to the stability of this country. You have a great tradition to live up to.”
The school, run by the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma, was founded on March 3, 1942.
There were 1200 students in 29 classrooms. It had a library, three science laboratories, a drawing-room, a technical workshop and two home economics rooms.
Entertainment was provided by the students and a monument was erected to commemorate the anniversary.
A five-storey cake was baked, iced and delivered by the staff of Shangri-La Fijian Hotel.
All guests at the event later enjoyed a huge feast.
