Manumalo Baptist Academy hosted its first quarter special awards ceremony this week for the hundreds of students currently attending the Malaeimi-based private school.

The ceremony is held at the completion of each quarter to recognize the hard work and dedication of the students who not only achieve and maintain high honors, but also those who show improvement throughout the school year.

Parents, families, friends and supporters gathered at the Manumalo campus this past week, armed with candy ulas, goodies, and big hugs for the young achievers.

Samoa News spoke to some of the parents who said they look forward to these events, as it instills in the students a sense of pride and accomplishment for all their diligent work, and gives them motivation to keep getting better, knowing that their efforts are not going unnoticed.