Samantha Nuku-Miller would have left school and Dylan Ruki-Fowlie wouldn't know what he wanted to do next if it were not for Wanganui City College's Military Services Academy.
The two were among 14 students who marched in formation and received awards at an outdoor assembly at their school on Friday.
She's now been part of it for a year, is earning NCEA credits and is its second-in-charge.
And on Friday she won the award for being the most improved member.
She and Dylan both want to join the navy - for the travel and new experiences.
"It's an opportunity for me to get out there and do something with my life," she said.
Principal Peter Kaua said Samantha hadn't looked back since joining the academy.
"She's got outstanding leadership skills and she's applied to be a prefect next year," Mr Kaua said.
Dylan, 17, now has NCEA level 3 and got the academy's top student award.
Being in the academy has given him self-discipline and leadership skills. He said he now helps around the house and knows what he wants to do next year.
"Now I really want to focus to get there."
Both say being part of a close group was one of the best things about the experience.
For academy students, the year began with a 12-day induction at Waiouru - runs, bed-making inspections and marches with packs on. Most were homesick, but stuck it out.
Later in the year there were leadership courses and a winter skills course.
They were kept busy doing community work, and were expected to give priority to earning NCEA credits as well.
They put poppies on graves at Anzac Day, and cleaned out the school's rowing sheds after the October flood.
"That took a day - we were knee-deep in mud," said Dylan. "But everyone enjoyed it even though it was mucky, because we were all together."
Mayor Annette Main reviewed the troop and presented the 14 with certificates and awards. The city was fortunate to have such exceptional young men and women, she said.
"What we see in you is your pride in yourselves, and we hope that you can see the pride in the people who are watching."
City College has had a military academy for four years and is one of 26 in New Zealand.