Adam Hornstine

Adam Hornstine is a 17-year-old student at Moorestown High School in New Jersey. In 1996, Adam organized a new club named M.A.G.I.C., which stands for Moorestown Alliance for Goodwill and Interest in the Community. The club's goals include community service to address the needs of the elderly, disabled, and financially unfortunate. Once organized locally, Adam searched for a worthy cause consistent with M.A.G.I.C.'s goals. Since Camden is currently considered to be the "most distressed" municipality in New Jersey by the Office of State Planning, it has become the focal point of the club's activities.

Adam personally contacted various organizations within Camden. Alliances were made with Christmas in April, the Food Bank of South Jersey, the Empowerment Committee of Camden, Neighborhood Housing Services of Camden, Cooper Landing Civic Association, and Mayor/Council of the City of Camden.

Under Adam's leadership, M.A.G.I.C. performed renovations on three homes in Camden for two elderly, disabled couples and a single parent with three children. The renovations included painting, trash removal, and landscaping.

During the summer and fall of 1997, Adam wrote to 374 schools in three counties to organize a student food drive for the Food Bank of South Jersey. Approximately 25 schools and an estimated 8,000 students participated. More than 3.0 tons of food was collected to feed 2,450 people.

On Make A Difference Day 1997, M.A.G.I.C. reclaimed a vacant lot in Camden and transformed it into a playground and safe haven for children from the drugs and violence in their neighborhood. M.A.G.I.C. also organized a cleanup and beautification of three surrounding blocks and placed new planters with flowers in front of each home. Over 150 residents and volunteers took part in the project.

Adam has personally raised over $7,500 in grants, donations, and material for these projects. He also donated the money he was awarded as the South Jersey Student of the Year to charity.

Adam's leadership skills have been acknowledged by Christmas in April. He has served on their Board of Directors and been elected as its secretary for 1997 and 1998. He is the only student on the board. In August 1997, Adam received a national grant from the organization DO SOMTHING for his community service projects. Adam was one of only seven teenagers nationally to receive this prestigious award.

Adam's organizational abilities have enabled people of all ages and races to work together. Adam's self-initiated community service and humanitarian efforts make him a role model for youth and citizens of all ages.