Gaining the role of 1st XV rugby team captain has opened a whole new world of challenges for St Kevins College special character prefect Adam Lill (18).
"It's quite a different role than just being a player. People look to you for advice and inspiration. There's a lot of pressure to do that as well as look after your own performance on the field."
By chipping away at the challenges one at a time, Adam says he has not only been able to excel in rugby, he has been successful in service, cultural and academic fields.
This year he is studying 100-level theology at the University of Otago and mathematics at Canterbury University - something he is proud of.
He has also completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and recently passed his second module of the Speech New Zealand advanced certificate of public speaking with distinction.
He is a regular finalist in the school's speech and scripture reading competitions and represented St Kevins at the Lions young speechmaker regional competition.
Adam's ability to lead by example and speak from the heart has made him a popular role model in the Waitaki community, and he is living up to the standards set by his predecessors at St Kevins College.
Adam plans to turn his passion for design into a career by studying civil engineering at the University of Canterbury next year.
Achievements: Hostel head boy (2008); North Otago U14, 16 and 18 rugby teams (2004-07); South Island Secondary Schools rugby team triallist (2008); 1st XV rugby captain (2008); Edmund Rice Singers.
Role model: "People who are loyal and dedicated to their passions."
Hopes for the future: To study civil engineering at the University of Canterbury.