The Otago Daily Times Class Act initiative identifies and celebrates the excellence of young people in our province.

This year the Otago Boys' High School recipients are Fergus Oberlin-Brown and Benjamin Richards. Congratulations to these fine young men.

Fergus Oberlin-Brown

Achievements: Head Prefect (2024); tennis coach (2022-24); hockey coach (2023-24); sustainability group (2022-24); Town Belt Kaitiaki environment group (2023-2024); member of Albany Hockey Club division 2 men's winning team (2023); Albany Hockey Club division 2 mens' most valuable player (2023); Albany Hockey Club premier men's team (2024); OBHS 1st XI (2022-2024); OBHS 1st XI player of the year (2024); hockey blues (2022-2023); Otago Academy of Sport (2024); Otago tennis representative (2019-24); OBHS tennis inter-school team (2023-2024); OBHS tennis South Island tournament team (2024); Balmacewen Tennis Club division 2 men's (2022-24); OBHS tennis doubles trophy with Hugo Barsby (2023); tennis blues (2023 and 2024).

Role Model: Black Stick and former OBHS student Kane Russell.

Hopes for the future: Become a Black Stick and play overseas.

Benjamin Richards

Achievements: 600SVA service hours (2024); SVA silver badge (expected to reach gold award in 2024); volunteer leader at Waihola Youth Camps; Prefect (2024); Junior Blues A volleyball (2020-2021); most improved junior volley baller (2021); Senior Whites B volleyball (2022); Senior Blues A volleyball (2023); cricket Junior Premier Blue team (2020-21); 3rd XI cricket (2022-23); Rugby Senior Colts Blue (2022); 3rd XV rugby (2023-24); NCEA excellence-endorsed level 2 (2023); Morris Prize for creative writing (2023); history scholarship recipient (2023); studying politics through the University of Canterbury distance programme (2024).

Role Model: Saint Paul the Apostle

Hopes for the future: Wants to make a difference in others' lives and go on mission trips around the world.