Ashburton College’s Samantha McArthur (left) has juggled head girl responsibilities and academic success to be named Dux on Monday night. Also pictured is Kirsten Clarke, who took home the Proxime Accessit award.Maintaining her willpower, spending “a lot” of time at her desk, and keeping track of everything in a notebook – that’s the recipe for success for Ashburton College’s Samantha McArthur.

The Year 13 student managed to both excel in her head girl duties throughout the year, and scoop up an impressive array of silverware at the college prizegiving on Monday – including the coveted Dux award.

McArthur’s haul included awards for music, German, chemistry, history and general excellence, along with a leadership award, Dux and two scholarships.

Despite also taking out Top Scholar awards in Year 11 and 12, McArthur said this year’s success came as somewhat of a surprise.

“I wasn’t really expecting it because it’s been a very busy year,” she said.

“I think the hardest part of this year has been taking the time out for study.”

Her secret for keeping on top of things?

McArthur said she is a big believer in carrying a notebook everywhere to keep track of assignments, due dates, anything else worth following up.

“You could probably describe me as hyper-organised.”

McArthur’s scholarships will set her up for studies at Otago University next year.

She will be pursuing a conjoint Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in German, and has secured a place in her first choice hall – Carrington College.

“Law’s definitely the direction I want to go in, and probably from a more international angle,” she said.

“I think the main reason I chose law is because I like working with people a lot.”

As she heads towards her final NCEA exams, McArthur is confident that she has put in enough work and everything should go well.

“I guess I’ve just got to keep focused now,” she said.

Runner-up to Dux and winner of the Proxime Accessit was Kirsten Clarke, who also took home an impressive total of 10 awards.

By Katie Todd © The Ashburton Guardian - 8 November 2017