They are bicultural, mostly bilingual with many multilingual. Already world travellers, going overseas to compete in their field, they're now setting even higher goals.
They were inspiring to listen to and family, friends, their peers and Te Arawa as a whole should be very proud of them.
But standing on stage and receiving an award doesn't just happen overnight. It takes years of commitment. There are sacrifices made when you want to be the best you can be.
The students know that to excel in any area - be it sport, their academic studies or cultural activities - you have to make sacrifices.
You have to be prepared to give up some things as you toil away, practising, trying to improve and move onwards and upwards.
This takes time; hours spent training in the water, on the field and track and at early morning and weekend practices. You don't get to hang out with your mates as often as you would like to; not unless they're into the same activities as you. And at the same time you have to keep up with your studies, too.
There must never be enough hours in the day.
But they're doing it and succeeding. And this grounding now in discipline, planning and goal setting will become second nature to them. It will set them up for life. Not for them the round about, time consuming, play it by ear way. They're taking the direct route; a planned approach to their future success.
By the time they leave university the world will be their oyster.
They all mentioned the people who helped them along the way; the coaches and mentors who encouraged them and gave them their head start.
We heard from some on the night. Coaches will often take students; some who only want to trial out and see how they like a sport, and turn them into highly disciplined successful sports role models. A great coach is always beside talented and gifted students. They give their best and bring out the best.
Input from supportive parents and family is also crucial. They ensure their son or daughter has the home environment that is conducive to their growth.
They make sacrifices, too. They fundraise to get their children or team away to events held locally, nationally and overseas.
International events are where they compete against the world's best in their chosen field. They travel to the US, Brazil, Thailand, China, Australia and many other parts of the world.
They dream of winning and they do.
They come home inspired by what they have seen and dream of higher goals to achieve. Whether it's league, netball, beach volleyball, underwater hockey, waka ama or swimming it's all about moving up to the next level.
We saw on stage young people being supported by their community, whanau, hapu and iwi. Yes, there are expectations being placed on them. And whenever that occurs the community is rarely let down.
They were encouraged to "live in excellence every day of your life". That's a call to leadership in the future if ever I heard one.
• Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.
