The Figtree mother-of-three has watched her children enter early adulthood, knowing how hard they strive in their sport, work and studies to achieve the best results.

"We've always taught our children to give it a go in life," Mrs Fox said.

"We've told them you only get out of life what you put in and that it doesn't come to you, you've got to work for it."

She watched that mantra pay off for her daughters Meghan, 15, and Shannon, 20, on Friday night, when they were both acknowledged at the Illawarra Youth Achievement Awards.

Meghan, an avid sportswoman and year 9 student at Figtree High School, was named as joint winner of the Junior Academic category while Shannon, a University of Wollongong student, was runner-up in the Citizenship category.

Meghan received the award and a $1500 cash scholarship at a gala dinner at Wests Illawarra after scoring in the top 5 per cent of 300,000 students in a global academic challenge.

Shannon was recognised for her extensive community work with a $500 scholarship to continue her studies.

Both are also heavily involved with the Wollongong City Surf Life Saving Club; Shannon has taken on a number of co-ordinating and instructing roles while Meghan volunteers to do patrols and help with water safety at special events.

For Shannon, who is deaf, it is just one of several volunteer roles she has taken on, including fund-raising for the Shepherd Centre and coaching the NSW women's deaf soccer team.

She credited her and Meghan's achievements to the "incredibly nurturing environment" at Figtree High School and her parents' support.

"Mum and dad do a really good job of not letting my challenges become my limits and that's something I've always really appreciated," she said.

Other Illawarra Youth Achievement Award winners include: Lucy Angel (Arts and Digital Media, junior), Bryce Fairweather (Arts and Digital Media, senior), Isabella Matthews (Academic Achievement, junior), Elizabeth Heffernan (Academic Achievement, senior), Hugh McClure (Citizenship), Mitchell Wright (Sports, junior), Jessica Hull (Sports, senior) and Taylor Glover (Special Achievement).