Four Carbon County residents were honored Friday as the 2025 Community Heroes through MCT’s Annual Community Hero Program, bringing the total number of people honored since the program’s inception to 128.

The recipients — Jael Houser of Tamaqua, Holly Koscak of Tamaqua, Jodi Smale of Palmerton, and Rebecca Worthy of Lehighton — were recognized for their outstanding volunteer service to their communities.

According to program materials, MCT’s Annual Community Hero Program “honors four individuals each year who have displayed outstanding service to their community, as nominated by the public and selected by a volunteer committee.”

The selection criteria focus on people who “are/have been active in non-profit/community organizations that benefit or improve the quality of life in Carbon County and/or the Tamaqua area on a volunteer basis, have devoted a substantial amount of their personal time to those activities and have made a significant impact and contribution to their community.”

Jael Houser of Tamaqua has been involved in organizing the Annual Tamaqua Easter Egg Hunt and Tamaqua Community Cleanup Days. She has also provided support for first responders and demonstrated leadership in cheer programs.

Holly Koscak, also from Tamaqua, has supported various Tamaqua School District events and Special Olympics activities. She has also provided support to multiple animal rescues throughout the area.

Jodi Smale of Palmerton serves as secretary and co-chair of the Palmerton Community Festival Board and works as a Girl Scout Leader for Troop 3305. Her community involvement extends to serving as a Faith Alive Church Trustee and holding officer positions with the swim team, including serving as president. She has participated in Christmas Cantata performances, coordinates Micah’s Backpack program, and volunteers in the Faith Alive Church nursery.

Rebecca Worthy of Lehighton teaches Sunday school at Zion UCC and serves as secretary of Lehighton Pool Pals. She also serves on the special committee for the Linda Schoenberger Memorial Swim Fund. Her community involvement includes participation in the Lehighton Downtown Initiative, Turn to Us, Lehighton Area Heritage Alliance, and Lehighton Area Merchants Association. She previously coached with the Lehighton Area Soccer Club.

The 2025 MCT Community Heroes Celebration Banquet will be held on June 3 at 6 p.m. at the Lehighton American Legion Post 314, 381 Bridge St., Lehighton, PA 18235. Each of the four Community Heroes are scheduled to be in attendance and are invited to share their story at 7:30 p.m. following dinner. Open Bar starts at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m.