Luc Michot
Giving back as a way of thanking those who helped him, is what drives Roxburgh Area School student Luc Michot’s future plans.
His mother was told after Luc’s birth, that due to a brain injury, he would never attend secondary school, much less university.
Yet at 17 years old, Luc is planning his tertiary education while achieving Duke of Edinburgh awards, swimming competitively, and being a volunteer member of the Roxburgh Fire Brigade.
"I just love helping people."
Luc’s dream job since childhood has been to work in the police force, but he is open to other options, including working with children and young adults as a counsellor or in conflict resolution.
The common theme is helping people — especially those struggling with learning disorders, or those finding it difficult to manage living on their own.
"I understand them and can support them in ways that others can’t because of my experience."
He says having supportive and trusted people around him, especially his mother, has shaped his life.
"Mum is the most influential person in my life.
"She worked with me at weekends, especially with maths. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her."
The pair moved from South Africa when Luc was 4 years old — first to Auckland, then to Central Otago.
His list of achievements and community involvement is impressive, but Luc says there is always room for more.
"I like to go out there and explore new things."
Achievements
School diligence and citizenship awards (2021-24); all round participation prize (2023-24); Duke of Edinburgh bronze award (2022); excellence in online distance learning (2023, 2024); NCEA level 1 with merit, excellence in level 1 French (2023); NCEA level 2 with merit, excellence in level 2 French and psychology (2024); Otago Southland Model United Nations (2023-25); World Vision Youth Conference delegate (2024), student council member (2025), house leader (2025); Outward Bound (2025); Roxburgh Fire Brigade (2024-25); school swimming prize (2024); Blast programme (2022); Hands on Otago (2024); AUSTSwim teacher (2025).
Role model
My mother.
Hopes for the future
To gain a bachelor of arts degree and then a masters in psychology.
Blake Buchan
A firm view of what defines success is the hallmark of Blake Buchan’s decision-making.
The 17-year-old Roxburgh Area School student says his role models are his father, who did not finish school, and Vincent van Gogh, who was mentally unwell and poor.
In comparison, Blake is finishing year 13 and has an offer of a place at Canterbury University to study engineering.
The connection between his disparate role models is their determination to follow their own paths, regardless of society’s expectations.
He says the lessons he learned from his dad, who created a successful business from his passion, inspired his life choices.
"My dad is a symbol of spontaneity.
"These days ... we seem to actively pursue the path recommended by others to be successful.
"Whereas, my father has proven that there is no beaten path to success."
Six months ago, Blake spontaneously booked tickets to travel to 11 countries in seven weeks at the end of this school year.
Travelling alone, he will start in London and end in Western Europe after Christmas in the Netherlands.
He hopes there will be other travellers to celebrate with in the hostels.
Growing up in a small town had been great, but Blake has always wanted to travel and experience new cultures.
It is time to step out and see the rest of the world now, he says.
His plan is to complete an engineering degree and then use those skills to travel and experience life in other countries.
While the specifics of his career may be fluid, he is sure of what success looks like.
"Real success and talent are breaking free from expectations and creating a unique lifestyle based on your own interests and goals ... exactly as my dad has done."
Achievements
Sports captain (2025); Benger house leader (2024, 2025); U18 Central Lakes basketball team (2024, 2025); U19 Southland volleyball team (2025); school basketball (2023-25); school basketball captain (2024, 2025); school volleyball vice-captain (2025); school athletics senior boys champion (2024, 2025); triathlon individual boys champion (2025); cross country senior boys champion (2023, 2024); miniball coach and referee (2023-25); academic top scholar (2022-24); Pioneer Energy science and technology scholarship (2024); NCEA level 2 excellence endorsed (2024); NCEA level 1 excellence endorsed (2023); New Zealand Area Schools basketball and volleyball rep (2024) and basketball, football and Ki o Rahi rep (2023); school sports prize (2023).
Role model
My dad and artist Vincent van Gogh.
Hopes for the future
To travel and study engineering at Canterbury University.
