Local dad wins scholarship

Never in his young life has Adam Kanoff been so fortunate.

The married father of a nearly 2-year-old son is the newest recipient of the Drew

Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of the UPS driver and student who was killed in an automobile accident four years ago.

Kanoff, 23, attends Sierra College and is working toward a degree in administration of justice.

“It’s very encouraging for my education,” Kanoff said Thursday. “I’m very honored to be a recipient, and I’ve never had anything of this nature happen to me.”

Kanoff, who lives in Penn Valley and works full-time as a maintenance supervisor, said he was motivated to hear the story of Drew Reynolds, who was a full-time UPS driver and student at the time of his death. He had been studying computer science when he was killed.

“From what I hear, he was very dedicated to his goals,” Kanoff said.

Drew Reynolds’ widow, Lore Reynolds Hamilton, said her late husband and Kanoff share some qualities.

“This year, it was so easy for me (to pick the recipient) because Adam reminded me so much of Drew and his commitment to finishing his education for his family,” she said.

Kanoff, who plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento, would like to work eventually for the state Department of Justice.

“It’s always been a dream of mine,” said Kanoff, who moved to Penn Valley just two years ago from South Bend, Ind. “I’ve always been interested in justice, and I’d like to have my family grow up in a safe environment.”

Lots of people have helped Kanoff along the way, he said, including his employers, who allowed him to take time off Thursday to attend a Nevada City Rotary luncheon in his honor.

“I never thought I’d be chosen for this scholarship,” Kanoff said. “I moved here with the expectation of raising a family, and wasn’t really sure of what I wanted to do. It’s a work in progress.”

The scholarship provides $2,000 annually for up to four years, provided by the Nevada City Rotary and the Nevada City Rotary Club Foundation.

Kanoff hopes to parlay his unexpected good fortune into a career and a life he and his family can be proud of.

“Anything’s possible,” he said. “You can juggle things around, and there are people who are always there who can help you accomplish your goals.”

To contact Staff Writer David Mirhadi, e-mail dmirhadi@theunion.com or call 477-4239.