After years of dedication, school pupils from around the province gathered to collect their gold Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards in Dunedin yesterday.
Sixty-seven high school pupils were praised for their diligence and perseverance as they received awards from Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.
''Today we recognise people who have completed a challenge and have committed to excellence,'' Sir Jerry said at the Glenroy Auditorium.
Gold is the highest level that can be achieved in the awards.
It is given to young people who show excellence in leadership, volunteering, self-improvement and have completed an expedition.
Sir Jerry said the award celebrated not just the young people's award participation but also their completion.
Many people pulled out and never came close to reaching the gold level, he said.
''That's coming from a bronze who didn't even finish.
''You've earned your place here, thanks to your diligence, dedication and selflessness.
''You set yourself an ambitious goal ... Congratulations for sticking at it.''
South Otago High School - with eight recipients - had the highest number of awards of any school.
by James Hall
