Carlyn Kowalsky, assistant general counsel for Florida Water Services, has been named National Mentor of the Year for her commitment to the Foundation for Orange County (Fla.) Public Schools. She is involved in the "Take Stock in Children Program."
She was nominated by her mentee, Alexius Williams. Kowalsky will travel to Washington, D.C., on October 6 with Williams to receive her award from Embark.com and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) at the 56th annual NACAC National Conference. She was chosen from more than 300 applications across the nation to receive the honor.
"We are very proud of Carlyn and her commitment as a mentor in the community," said John Cirello, president and CEO of Florida Water Services. "She is a great example of someone who taken time out of her busy schedule to help influence and guide a young person in the right direction."
Kowalsky has been a one-on-one mentor with Alexius for the past four years, providing her with academic and emotional support. She has helped guide through high school and into college.
"Carlyn exemplifies mentoring," said Molly Piveral, student advocate for Take Stock in Children. "She has proven the difference one person can make in the life of a child."
Take Stock in Children serves more than 280 Orange County students and nearly 6,000 students in 58 other Florida counties. Mentors serve as role models to students and meet at least once a week with their student. The Take Stock in Children scholarship pays full tuition for two years at a community college and an additional two years at a four-year state college.
Florida Water Services has more than 500,000 customers in 27 counties. It is the state’s largest investor owned water and wastewater service company.
