The top 20 finalists were lauded at the evening, hosted by sponsors Ferntree Gully Nissan.

Scoresby Secondary College year 9 student Talissa Croxford, a junior CFA volunteer who supported firefighters during February's devastating bushfires, was crowned the secondary school category winner.

St Joseph's Primary School's 'Potty Co', which grows and sells plants and donates the proceeds to various charities, won the primary school category.

They each won $2500 for themselves and their school. In the past three years, the awards have benefited young community leaders and projects to the tune of more than $50,000.

The finalists were shortlisted from an impressive field of 200-plus worthwhile candidates.

The Knox Journal is also a sponsor of the awards.