Apart from returning after the holiday break, the youngster was recognised and presented with a Highly Commended for her compassion, integrity and kindness at a ceremony for the Fred Hollows Humanity Awards at the University of Technology Sydney.

The local pupil received the nomination, courtesy of her principal Corallee Kerrigan.

Rochelle set herself two goals this year.

The first was to raise $1000 for Cancer Council and the second was to cut off her below-the-waist hair and donate it to Variety so it could be made into wigs for children.

"Rochelle never wavered in her determination to help others," Ms Kerrigan said.

"Even when others suggest she opt for a 'bob' haircut instead of a buzz cut, her response to those comments was always 'people with cancer don't get to choose how much hair they lose'.

"Rochelle raised almost $4000 by holding cupcake stalls at schools, selling ice blocks and barbecue breakfasts.

"The act of shaving her head saw her demonstrate humility, bravery and generosity of spirit."

The Humanity Award is a national initiative of The Fred Hollows Foundation that acknowledges Year six students who follow in Mr Hollows' footsteps by demonstrating humanitarian values towards others.

Founding director Gabi Hollows presented 85 students from across the state with their certificates before announcing Zara Matthews of St Philip's Christian College, Gosford, as the 2019 NSW Junior Ambassador to The Foundation.

"Fred would have been incredibly proud of the contribution these pupils are making to society and of The Foundation for recognising and encouraging them to help others, no matter how big or small their actions," she said.

"To all of this year's Humanity Award recipients and to the 2019 NSW Junior Ambassador to The Foundation, I offer my warmest congratulations and my heartfelt thanks."

The Fred Hollows Humanity Awards will return to NSW in 2020.

To learn more about the award, visit www.hollows.org/humanityaward