Not only did the teenager claim the 2020 Merriwa Young Citizen of the Year crown at the Merriwa RSL Club on Sunday, January 26, he snared the overall Upper Hunter title.

Along the way, he beat a hot field of worthy candidates including Bella-Rose Partridge (Aberdeen) and Katie Sutcliffe (Scone).

And, it was hard to wipe the smile off his face.

"This is amazing," Mr Keane said.

"To win the Merriwa district award was great in itself, but the Upper Hunter honour is massive for me.

"I just love helping the kids out.

"I'd like to thank everyone, from my family to Tash [Taaffe] who played a pivotal role to get me where I am today."

Mr Keane, who hopes to be a sports educator in teaching one day, is an outstanding youngster who has worked hard over the past few years to apply himself at school and within the community.

He's volunteered more than 50 hours of his own time to the Merriwa Little Athletics Club.

Starting as a member almost a decade ago, he has climbed the ranks in throws, excelling at shot put, javelin and discus at numerous zone and regional carnivals.

He is now an integral part of the group's coaching team.

"Jackson's built a rapport with young athletes who look up to him and he is admired by parents for his commitment, sincerity and compassion," Ms Taaffe said.

"He has the patience of a Saint, calmly working with the kids that have physical, social or behavioural challenges.

"He's always actively looking for ways to improve his own knowledge and coaching skills by attending courses and clinics.

"Jackson's also supported other sporting groups in town, including Merriwa Park Run and the Magpies under-10 junior rugby league team.

"He is an exemplary young man with a fantastic attitude to life.

"He's definitely an asset to our community."

The 17-year-old has been an inspiring leader of the Merriwa Central School ROAR program, too.

He's even represented his school at the Where There's a Will 2019 Youth Leadership summit in Adelaide; and was an enthusiastic participant in the Merriwa Rotary Club's 'Ripen' initiative.