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Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Zachary Kovaleski, Holy Cross High School
Over the next few weeks, The Times-Tribune is honored to present the profiles of each member of the Scholastic Superstars Class of 2025. These outstanding students were nominated by their schools and chosen by a panel of local officials. * Zachary Kovaleski (Zachary Kovaleski) * Zachary Kovaleski, Holy Cross High School(Zachary Kovaleski) Show Caption 1 of 2 Zachary Kovaleski (Zachary Kovaleski) Expand Zachary Kovaleski, Holy Cross High School Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? A: I am most proud of being able to maintain my grades and balance my time between school, extracurriculars, work, service projects, and my hobbies. Q: What were your most rewarding school or community activities? A: At school, the student council has allowed me to help students find enjoyment in school, and in the community, assisting in my parish has demonstrated the impact of bringing people together for good. Q: What is something you do to relax? A: In my spare time, I like to write short stories, spend time with friends, take long drives, golf, and listen to music to relax. Q: Plans after high school graduation? A: College, major in civil engineering to ultimately become a practicing engineer and entrepreneur. Q: Who do you most admire and why? A: I admire my father, Jeff Kovaleski, more than anyone, for how he has been able to balance being a principal, borough council president, and committee head while also spending time taking care of his family and putting his moral values first. Q: What advice do you have for younger students? A: Always keep working, never give up, and be there for each other, because you never know what someone is going through or how much reaching out to them can mean. Show others that you appreciate them. A little about Zachary Kovaleski Hometown: Dickson City Parents: Brenda and Jeffrey Kovaleski Some of his honors: Valedictorian, National Honor Society, honorable mention Cum Laude on the National Spanish Exam, Voice of Democracy Audio Essay district winner. Some of his activities: History club, chess club, Mock Trial, student council. Some of his athletics: Baseball, golf. Some of his community service: Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program, Leadership Northeast's Tomorrow's Leaders Today program, Little League volunteer, church volunteer. What his nominator said: 'He is a joy to know and an outstanding member of his own local community.'
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jacksonville Civic Club learns of 2nd Chance's services
JACKSONVILLE — Krychelle Smith, executive director of 2nd Chance, Inc., leads the organization's mission to provide shelter and support for victims of domestic violence across multiple counties. Speaking to the Jacksonville Exchange Club on Thursday, March 27, Smith highlighted 2nd Chance, which was founded in 1988 and serves domestic violence victims in Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah and Talladega counties. It is one of only 15 domestic violence organizations in Alabama. Smith distributed brochures and the organization's 2024 annual report. She noted that 2nd Chance is primarily funded through federal grants. Last year, 2nd Chance received 1,018 crisis line calls and provided emergency shelter to 82 victims and their children. Additionally, 208 clients received support through counseling, rapid rehousing, and outreach case management. 'We have the emergency shelter so people seeking safety have a place to go,' Smith said. 'We provide case management to every client we help, whether they are in the shelter or receiving outreach services.' She detailed services such as safety planning, trauma-informed counseling, and financial assistance. In 2023, 157 clients received counseling, while 51 clients benefited from the rapid rehousing program, which provided more than $34,856 in direct financial assistance. Smith praised the collaborative nonprofit efforts in Calhoun County. 'We are very fortunate to have a number of nonprofits here that are committed to helping people,' she said. 'If we cannot meet a specific need, we refer clients to partner organizations throughout the community.' Despite the shelter being closed for renovations for half of last year, 2nd Chance still provided 2,609 safe bed nights. Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure environment for survivors. She also addressed broader definitions of domestic violence, including elder abuse and financial exploitation. 'Elder abuse is on the rise as we have a growing aging population,' Smith said. 'Abuse can take many forms, including financial abuse, where a victim's money is taken, or technological abuse, which restricts access to resources.' With a background in community service, Smith previously served as programs director for the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center from 2016 to 2023. In this role, she led the Leadership Calhoun County and Youth Leadership programs, founded the Matt Clonts Youth Leadership Pickleball Tournament and helped 400 high school juniors and seniors secure job-shadowing opportunities. Beyond her professional work, Smith has been actively involved in various community initiatives. She served as a board member-at-large for the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association from 2019 to 2021, reviewed grants for the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, and has been a dedicated member of the Jacksonville State University Alumni Engagement Committee since 2019. Smith has earned accolades for her work, which include being a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders Fellow and the Community Foundation's Volunteer of the Year in 2021. She recently was nominated for the 2025 Alabama Nonprofit Employee of the Year Award. She said 2nd Chance remains committed to empowering survivors through direct assistance, advocacy, and partnerships. 'Our goal,' Smith said, 'is to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors finds safety, support, and a path toward healing.'
