The Taylors Lakes resident, 17, was recently recognised for displaying excellent leadership in her final year of high school.

In November, she was among the winners of the Gorton young leaders awards.

But when she first walked through the gates at Overnewton Anglican Community College in Keilor, Sharlene could not have predicted she would end up being a student who her peers would go to for help.

"I moved to Overnewton from Keilor Downs Primary School in grade 6 but it took me a long time to settle in," she says.

"I decided to take up a leadership role as class captain and it helped build my confidence. I got to speak to a lot of students."

She went on to be a middle school captain and became a peer support leader.

In year 11, she was a member of the student representative council.

Last year, she joined the college's student executive leadership team, which comprised 10 students, and was given the community service portfolio.

She helped raise more than $2000 for World Vision Australia by organising a 40 Hour Famine event at the school.

She also co-ordinated a week-long walking school bus program for junior pupils at the college.

Sharlene was one of a select group of students at her school to achieve a 90-plus Australian Tertiary Admission Rank score.

She will study for a double law and commerce degree at Deakin University in Burwood this year.

"I'm very interested in criminal law and hope to become a lawyer some day," she says.

"But I want to continue helping in the local community because it's something I'm passionate about."

Sharlene will be presented with her young leaders award by Gorton MP Brendan O'Connor next month.

Teacher Edward Shellander says Sharlene was always willing to help other students.

"She deserves to get the award and she got many awards at her time at the school because she has great leadership and organisational skills."