Prime Minister John Key shared the observation with 58 outstanding pupils from 29 secondary schools during the 2011 Otago Daily Times Class Act awards at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery yesterday, and asked them not to be in any hurry to forge a career in politics.
Mr Key said it had been a busy day - officially opening the Forsyth Barr Stadium and the refurbished Bill Robertson Library.
"But we've saved the best for last - that is, Class Act 2011."
He congratulated the pupils for making the most of opportunities and excelling in academic, cultural and sporting fields, and reminded them that the single biggest determinant of success was not ability. Rather, it was attitude.
"If you believe in yourself, if you are prepared to back yourself and you're not scared to give it a go, success will follow."
Mr Key also acknowledged the love, guidance and support of the Class Act pupils' families, friends, mentors, and particularly their parents, because he believed that was what had given them the inspiration they needed to become Class Act award winners.
Otago Daily Times editor Murray Kirkness also praised the recipients of the 12th Class Act awards, and encouraged them to continue to aim high.
"You are - excuse the cliche - the leaders of tomorrow."
The pupils were nominated by their schools on the basis of their achievements to date and their potential for success in the future. The only criterion the newspaper gave the schools was excellence. Academic, sporting, social, artistic or cultural excellence, leadership qualities, or a combination of those was the standard by which pupils were nominated, Mr Kirkness said.
Four of the pupils, while pleased to be at the ceremony, were also concerned about attending another important event - their school formals.
Both Tokomairiro High School and Gore High School held their senior formals last night with Class Act recipients leaving promptly to ensure they were home on time.
Jessica Brock and Amanda Williamson, of Tokomairiro, booked ahead and had their hair appointments in Dunedin, leaving them with arguably the best heads in the room for the Class Act function.
Hayden King, of King's High School, said the Class Act ceremony was "something special".
"Being surrounded by so many amazing people - I feel proud to be part of it."
St Kevin's College pupil Fergus Farrell said the event confirmed to him that he was heading in the right direction.
"I've worked hard with a lot of support from Mum and Dad, and this is a great reward for all of that."
