College pupils Erin Wilson, Natasha Keillor and Laura Manson have won between them five study scholarships worth $35,000.
Erin won one of five Kelliher Economics Foundation Awards given nationally worth $12,000 and a Victoria School Leavers Scholarship worth $4000 for academic excellence.
The 18-year-old was delighted with the scholarships and planned to use them to study economics at Victoria University next year.
Ultimately, she hoped to forge a career as an economist at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
"I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to the opportunities it will bring me.
''This is leading me on the path to what I want to do in the future."
Natasha (18) won one of 21 Russell McVeagh School Leavers Law Scholarships worth $7000 and the 2008 Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship worth $5000.
"I feel very privileged and honoured, I'm glad I've made my parents proud," she said.
The Columba College head girl said she won the Russell McVeagh scholarship after two "relaxed" interviews with selectors who asked what she had learnt as a leader this year.
"I've learnt to take the opportunities when they are offered.
''Sometimes, it's easy to say, `No, I'm too busy - I don't have any energy left'.
But you never know where those opportunities are going to lead you."
Natasha said she hoped to use the scholarships to study law and a bachelor of science at the University of Otago next year.
Laura (18) won a PriceWater-houseCoopers Aspire Scholarship worth $7000 - one of 16 awarded in NZ.
She planned to study law and commerce at the University of Otago and hoped to develop a career in international trade relations and finance.
However, 12 months ago she was not so clear on her career path.
At the start of this year she had planned to study engineering, but after attending the 2008 Virtual Trade Mission New Zealand Voices of the Future Apec Conference, she found a passion for finance.
"The idea of being in the business world making decisions and taking risks, being rewarded for taking risks and learning from your mistakes is appealing and exciting."
