The year 8 student was awarded a Newtonian reflecting telescope built by the club's late member Simon Harders.

Following Mr Harders passing late last year, his wife Geraldine reached out to the society's president, David Thurley, to see if he knew of a good home for the telescope.

Albury secondary school students were asked to write an essay detailing why they would like it, with 14-year-old Hunter dazzling with his passion and enthusiasm for space.

Hunter said it was "a dream come true" to be chosen.

"Ever since I was really little I've been fascinated by science and later moved into space, because there's a lot of unknown to space, and what is known is amazing," he said.

"I've always wanted to do my own research, and having this would make that possible.

"Recently I've been researching more about Mars, which I can see in the night sky with my own eyes, but seeing it with the telescope would be epic."

His aim was to make his essay genuine.

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"I tried to put my whole heart into it and really show how passionate I am for space" he said.

Cr Thurley admitted he was amazed by the youngster's desire to learn and added some of his own books to accompany the telescope.

"His passion for it was just incredible," he said.

"Hopefully his interest really takes off."

Hunter's mum, Brenda, and older siblings Jack, Hannah and Thomas were thrilled to see him recognised.

Ms Jackson said she's constantly learning from her son.

"He's absolutely obsessed with space," she said.

"There's not a day that goes by that I don't hear an obscure fact about something to do with space.

"He realises that this is a big honour.

"I think in a way it solidifies that love he has for it.

"I think it will just add to his passion."

Hunter has started keeping a journal filled with everything he has learnt about space and hopes to one day have a job in astronomy.