(above, l-r) Janice Bryk, Junior Optimist Club Advisor and Sam Horvath.
Optimist Club of Westfield Presents Youth Volunteer Award
Submitted by Darielle Walsh
The Optimist Club of Westfield recognized Sam Horvath, a junior at Westfield High School, as the winner of the 2019 Optimist Club Thom Hornish Youth Volunteer Award. The award is named in honor of Thom Hornish, a former Westfield High School teacher, in recognition of his dedication to youth, club service and involvement as a past president and long-time member of the Optimist Club. The award is given annually to a high school junior or senior who is a resident of Westfield and has dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort to volunteer in the community. This is the 24th year the Optimist Club of Westfield has recognized outstanding young people who distinguished themselves through volunteer service to the community. The recognition includes a cash award presented to the recipient at the December meeting of the Optimist Club.
Many of the nominees show a long history of volunteerism through their schools, churches and the community at large and Sam is no exception. However, what set her apart from this impressive group of young people were her work ethic, dedication and leadership in local community activities.
Sam presently sings in the prestigious Choraleers and is part of the Blue Devil Treble, an all-female acapella group. She also arranges music and volunteers her time with underclassman in the program. Sam describes being guided by the Juniors and Seniors when she first joined the program and wants to give back to the group that gave her so much inspiration. She has performed with the New Jersey region and All State Choir, and most recently at NJPAC.
Despite her challenging academic and musical schedule, Sam volunteers every Friday after school at Children’s Specialized Hospital. She visits and volunteers with children in the long-term care unit, forming bonds with many of them over time. Sam also had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica and aide in building school structures and teaching local children.
