She loved her school and sport, she had a passion for reading and had big aspirations for the future.

But everything changed the day she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue.

"I've had to reduce my school hours, I can't play as much basketball and it makes general things more difficult," the now 15-year-old said.

"I've been living with chronic fatigue for about a 1 1/2 years now.

"It just sucks, you want things to go back to normal but they don't."

However, despite suffering from the debilitating medical disorder, Tegan, an Exeter High School student, hasn't given up hope.

She loves to do everything she used to, receives exceptional academic results and has aspirations to go far with her science studies.

And on top of that, Tegan is an active member of the Launceston Chronic Fatigue Support Group and the Victorian support group.

"I felt really alone," Tegan said.

"You feel kind of crazy because no one else gets what you're going through."

But by being part of the support groups, Tegan is able to speak via phone and internet with other young people from across the country about their experiences and to help them deal with the disorder.

Tegan was recognised for her selflessness and kindness with an exceptional young person award at the Launceston City Council and Playgroup Tasmania Children's Week Awards yesterday.

The annual awards saw 15 individuals and organisations recognised for their contribution to children under the categories of outstanding service to children, exceptional young person, certificate of recognition and certificate of achievement.

Playgroup Tasmania chief executive Debbie Smith said it was important that people realised young people did contribute to the community and that they got the recognition they deserved.

Children's Week ends on Saturday.