The club received a Platinum Citation, the highest award that can be presented to an Interact club (a youth division of Rotary).

The awards are presented in an annual review of the 10,700 Interact clubs worldwide.

Clubs must achieve a number of goals - from supporting and strengthening clubs, to increasing humanitarian service, and enhancing public image and awareness - to be considered for a citation.

Cessnock High School student support officer and Interact co-coordinator Stacy Jacobs said the school was extremely proud of the club's achievement.

"This team of students is quite amazing and it is wonderful to see their efforts rewarded," she said.

"Last year they hosted a food drive, raised money for polio, hosted leadership sessions, made a movie, took on a kindness project, and had many students participating in service projects in the community."

The Interact club formed in 2017, under the guidance of the Rotary Club of Cessnock, and is coordinated by Ms Jacobs and English teacher Lauren Hayes.

Read more: Interact club forms at Cessnock High

The club currently has 60 members across all years.

Ms Jacobs said while some of its fundraising and community engagement ideas had been affected by COVID-19, the club was forging ahead with its latest project - a food drive for local homelessness support service, Hunter Hands of Hope.

Vice-president Kadie Sondermeyer said the food drive was an important initiative.

"It helps raise awareness for an important issue in our local community and gives us a chance to help," Kadie said.

Past president Jennefer Wratten agreed: "It was important to give where you can to help those in need, especially during COVID".

Co-secretary Barry Nichol said the club are hoping to get more items than last year, when they for 500 and got 1000.

The food drive will run until the end of term three. Non-perishable food items, as well as cleaning and personal hygiene products can be donated at the school's front office.