HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- This year, we're celebrating the 25th anniversary of WSAZ's Best of Class. While these high school students are the best and the brightest, number one in their graduating class, you don't necessarily have to be number one to succeed.

That's the lesson we learned when we talked to some of our area's best and brightest business leaders. The pathway to success comes from all directions.

Nathan Myers is a young business owner on the rise. Two years ago, he opened the Pita Pit in Huntington selling a variety of fresh pitas and salads. He'll readily tell you he's no dummy.

“I was a 4.0 student in high school, but I’ll bet some of my teachers will tell you I was a little ornery,” said Nathan.

Nathan graduated in the top third of his class, but when it came to those college entrance exams, he admits things were a little bumpy.

“I do not do well on standardized tests. On the ACT and SAT, I think I got a 21 and 1080… not good at all,” says Nathan.

“I did okay in high school,” said Tim Parnell.

Parnell is the Vice President of Support Services and Planning Development for St. Mary's Medical Center. He's supervised more than $75 million in new construction in the last five years including the new Center for Education set to open later this month. Hard work and planning throughout his education helped him get to this point today.

“If you focus on your dreams and work hard, you can achieve anything,” said Parnell.

“I personally know students who graduate Best of Class are awesome people, but average students rule the world,” says Pam Bailey.

Mrs. Bailey is the Principal of Spring Hill Elementary School in Huntington. She's one of seven children who grew up in a family where education came first. She knew early on she wanted to go into teaching, but doing well on tests didn't come easy.

“But when I had to take the test to become a teacher or to become a principal, I worried so much. But, I did it,” said Bailey.

“I was an average student, but I had my favorites,” said Don Ray.

Ray is the General Manager here at WSAZ. He readily admits he was also an average student. And because of that, he encourages others to do what he later learned.

“Don’t panic when others are better than you. You’ll find your niche,” said Ray.

“I graduated somewhere in the middle,” said Kim Wolfe.

From the middle of the pack to Huntington’s top leader, Mayor Kim Wolfe says good grades were an extra effort that he put in then and continues now.

“I think education is very important. If you work hard and follow your dreams, you’ll succeed,” said Wolfe.

So, whether you're best of class or somewhere in the middle, these top leaders show hard work does pave a pathway to success.