WESTFIELD — Emma Darrow, a junior at Westfield High School, is the recipient of the 2024 Optimist Club Thom Hornish Youth Volunteer Award.

The 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 of the Optimist Club of Westfield.

The Youth Volunteer Award is given annually to a Westfield high school junior or senior who has dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort to benefit the local community by demonstrating volunteer service, work ethic, leadership and involvement in community and school activities. This is the 29th year the Optimist Club has recognized outstanding young men and women who distinguished themselves through volunteer service.

Emma is an organized and proactive student and community volunteer with a strong work ethic and leadership skills. She is active at Westfield High School as a member of the Model United Nations, Choral Department Leadership Council, and as Theater Department stage manager. A community volunteer, she is active as a Westfield Rescue Squad volunteer working towards her EMT national certification, Westfield Police Department Youth Academy Cadet, Girl Scout Ambassador pursuing her Gold Award, Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation volunteer, and an Overlook Foundation Junior Board member.

The Optimist Club is founded on the principles of volunteerism and community service and is proud to recognize young men and women who have embraced these ideals. The recognition includes a scholarship award and certificate of achievement presented at the April Optimist Club monthly dinner meeting.

For more information, go to http:// www.westfieldnj.com/optimist/.