WESTFIELD — Andrew Cicala, a senior at Westfield High School, is the recipient of the 2025 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 30th year the Optimist Club has recognized outstanding young men and women who distinguished themselves through volunteer service. The recognition includes a scholarship award presented at the club’s April dinner.
“Andrew is an organized and proactive student and community volunteer with a strong work ethic, leadership skills and a passion for engineering, design and architecture, and skilled in leadership and team collaboration through various clubs, internships and employment,” read a statement from the Optimist Club. “He is recognized for academic achievements, community service and award-winning photography.”
A community volunteer, Andrew is active as an intern at the Westfield Food Pantry, where he facilitates food distribution by coordinating food drives, organizing donations and supporting efforts to feed underserved populations in the community.
He is active at Westfield High School as a member of several clubs, and where he also holds leadership positions in the Architectural Innovation Club, Community Service Club, Habitat for Humanity Club, and Photography Club as founder and president.
The Optimist Club was founded on the principles of volunteerism and community service and is proud to recognize young men and women who have embraced these ideals. For additional information about the Optimist Club of Westfield, go to http://www.westfieldnj.com/optimist/.
