The 17-year-old Gisborne Secondary College student is one of three local young people to share in the council award. The others are Sarah Gunn and Laura Baseggio.

"I got a letter a couple of weeks ago and it was a complete surprise. I knew I had a busy year, but I think it's great the Macedon Ranges appreciates people getting out there are doing things," Stephen, in year 12 this year, said.

He said he was "pretty nervous" but looking forward to receiving the award at today's ceremony at the Kyneton Hall.

As president of the student union and a representative on the school student council, Stephen was helped initiate many school projects with the help of fellow students Monique Hayes and Josh Kennedy and the support of the student union members.

Among these was the Ozanam House community service project, which involved students travelling monthly to the St Vincent De Paul Shelter in North Melbourne to help feed homeless people.

"The student union previously hadn't been doing much, so when we were initiated we were pretty keen to step it up and do some stuff," he said.

"We thought, 'Why aren't we helping out and doing our bit?' So we started sending about four people down there fortnightly or monthly and it was great. The student response was just fantastic and we're looking forward to this year and more students participating in it."

Stephen also helped co-ordinate fund-raisers after the Black Saturday bushfires. He is involved in sporting associations, including the Gisborne Rookies Football Club, and takes part each year in Clean Up Australia Day.

He said being involved in the community was rewarding.