KENINGAU: Rica Riona Marius, whose parents are farmers in a remote village in the interior of Sabah, became an outstanding student in the 2023 Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) result of SMK Keningau II, here.
She is the second of five siblings and comes from Kampung Malaing in Keningau obtained 4A in Economics, General Studies, Malay Language, Geography and A- for Art.
When met at the appreciation ceremony at the school, she spoke of difficulties when studying because she spent much expenses compared to her two younger siblings who were still studying in Forms Two and Four.
“There was a time I wanted to stop studying because of the extra expenses.
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Rica who stayed in a hostel said mum Felicia Elong and dad Marius Sabunting were farmers in Kampung Malaing, 58km from her school.
“I took five subjects in STPM because I wanted to challenge myself. My teacher Kasimin advised me.
“I study normally like other students, Art, the subject is a little easier for me. But other subjects I have to study hard in Semester 1 and Semester 2.
“Semester 3 I need to focus only on course work. But in Semester 2, I have to work even harder, that’s why I do four coursework at school,” she said.
Luckily she got a scholarship to lighten her burden. Rica wants to continue her studies.
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