Gabriel Dayon Receives Youth Volunteer Award
OPTIMIST CLUB OF WESTFIELD
The Optimist Club of Westfield is pleased to announce Gabriel Dayon as the recipient of the 2022 Optimist Club Thom Hornish Youth Volunteer Award. The Award is given annually to a Westfield high school junior who has dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort to volunteer and benefit the local community. Gabe distinguished himself with his years of volunteer service, work ethic, dedication, leadership and involvement in community and school activities.
Gabriel began volunteering at St. John the Apostle Church as an altar server, helped build the outdoor live nativity scene and participated in the Church Youth Group. He assisted the Westfield High School varsity football team as a water boy, ball boy and then filming games in 9th grade. He also filmed other high school sporting events, theater productions, concerts, and Board of Education meetings. He has been a volunteer coach for PAL football and basketball and helped with the Union County Vo Tech food drives. In addition to volunteering in the community, Gabe has been involved at Westfield High School in the Eastern Culture and Mandarin Club and as a Transition Peer Leader. He is a member of the National Honor Society and currently participates in school government as Corresponding Secretary for the WHS Class of 2023.
The annual award is named in honor of Thom Hornish, a former Westfield High School history teacher, in recognition of his dedication to youth, club service and involvement as a past president and long-time member and former president of the Optimist Club. The recognition includes a cash award and certificate of achievement presented to the recipient at the Optimist Club dinner in May
As a club founded on the principals of volunteerism and community service, the Optimist Club is pleased to recognize young men and women who have embraced these ideals. This is the 27th year the Optimist Club has recognized outstanding young people who distinguished themselves through volunteer service.
Courtesy photo
