THE past 14 months has been a roller coaster for Clifton's Jack Mantova, with many ups and downs.

The 18 year old was recently named the 2015 Australia Day Junior Citizen of the Year for the Clifton district, which was an award well deserved.

He received his award from Australia Day Ambassadors, Bruce and Denise Morcombe, who acknowledged Jack's courage and determination.

After being diagnosed and treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in late 2013 and 2014, Jack returned to Clifton High School last August, and completed his Year 12 studies, attending his senior formal and graduating with a Queensland Certificate of Education.

He has enrolled in a Certificate IV in Fitness (Personal Trainer), at the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers, and begins his course in a few weeks' time.

Clifton State High School principal, Joy Craig, said Jack set an incredible example of courage through adversity.

"Jack was elected Student Representative Council President for 2014 and despite being off campus during Semester One due to his serious illness, he returned to school in Semester Two and effortlessly resumed his leadership duties, including being the MC for Awards night and delivering the Year 12 speech of the Formal," Mrs Craig said.

"Jack was an inspirational role model for his fellow students, and is a young man of courage, integrity and determination, as reflected by a Special Principal's Leadership Award presented to Jack at graduation," she said.