Lily recently received the John Lincoln Youth Community Service Awards, which is awarded by the Order of Australia Association.

She was presented with the honour by former NSW governor Marie Bashir at a ceremony in Sydney.

It is the first time YAHS has nominated a student for the award.

"I was really surprised by it actually," Lily said.

"For the school to nominate me was exciting enough."

Lily was nominated for her efforts in setting up a new program at the school that will allow students to travel to foreign countries to assist the less fortunate.

The first trip is planned for next year, with students and staff set to aid villagers in Fiji.

She has also co-ordinated the school's visits to Gralee School each Friday throughout the year. The initiative allows students to spend time with children at Gralee and assist staff where needed.

"I volunteer with a disability program that my mum works for," Lily said.

"It's been really great going in to Gralee ... it's become something everyone wants to be involved with."

The Gralee and YAHS union was first set up by former student Harriet Condon.

YAHS principal Daryl Finch praised Lily for her "never give up" attitude.

"She's had to jump through many hurdles to get this overseas program up and running," Mr Finch said.

"Where others would have given up she has persisted and succeeded to the point where we are now hopeful we will be going to Fiji to help those that are less fortunate."