Māruawai College Jessica Udy Between winning back-to-back national titles for dance and being an academic high achiever, Jessica Udy managed to teach herself two languages.
East Otago High School Brianne Harris Leadership comes naturally to Brianne Harris, 18, being the oldest of seven siblings.
Columba College Clara Ballantyne It only took about a year of competitive debating for Clara Ballantyne to become the New Zealand team captain for secondary schools.
The Catlins Area School Mia Cable Taking note of life’s natural structures has proven a winning formula for Mia Cable.
Blue Mountain College Jorja Whyte Some people are destined to become teachers, and Jorja Whyte counts herself among them.
Bayfield High School Benjamin Pickering Something you didn’t know about Benjamin Pickering is he loves to beatbox.
Class Act: Lessons outside the classroom As the Otago Daily Times Class Act awards celebrate 25 years, we check in with the class of 2014 and find many have concerns about the economy and the cost of living. Kim Dungey reports.
About belief Anna Grimaldi celebrates winning gold in the Women's 200m - T47 Final at the Paralympic Games. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Anna Grimaldi felt like an imposter after winning gold at her first Paralympics but she’s been on a journey to self-belief, Kim Dungey writes.