PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Shaping Our Appalachian Region is accepting nominations for its 2024 SOAR Gala awards presented by Kentucky Power. SOAR is on a mission to spotlight the unsung heroes in our communities, and it needs your help.
Whether it’s a neighbor, a friend, or someone you admire, this is your chance to give them the recognition they deserve.
Rules & Criteria for all awards:
- A nominee must reside or work in one of Kentucky’s 54 Appalachian counties
- Self-nominations are encouraged
- Those prohibited to nominate include:
- SOAR employees
- Immediate family members of SOAR employees
You can find the nomination form HERE.
Award List
Here are the awards we are accepting nominations for. You can nominate someone using the link HERE.
Hal Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award
This distinguished award honors a lifetime devoted to the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of the unique cultural, artistic, and historical heritage that defines Appalachia.
You can nominate someone HERE.
SOAR Business Person of the Year
This award acknowledges a business leader whose exemplary leadership has been instrumental in building a successful business/corporation in Appalachia Kentucky.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Appalachian Leadership Award
The recipient of the Appalachian Leadership Award is an individual recognized for their exceptional leadership and contributions impacting the region.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Appalachian Humanitarian Award
The Appalachian Humanitarian Award honors individuals or organizations dedicated to advancing social causes throughout Appalachia Kentucky, encompassing a broad spectrum such as poverty alleviation, addressing food insecurity, improving housing conditions, enhancing educational access, and more.
You can nominate someone HERE.
SOAR City of the Year Award
The City of the Year Award acknowledges a city or municipal government actively fostering opportunities for its residents and strategically attracting new citizens, talent, and industries through innovative and collaborative initiatives.
You can nominate someone HERE.
SOAR County of the Year Award
The County of the Year Award acknowledges a county government actively engaged in creating opportunities for its citizens and attracting new residents, talent, and industries through innovative and collaborative approaches.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Connect Appalachia Award
The Connect Appalachia Award honors individuals, groups, or organizations dedicated to advancing broadband connectivity, enhancing digital equity, supporting remote work, promoting digital literacy, and other related initiatives.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Healthy Communities Award
The Healthy Communities Award acknowledges the efforts of an individual, group, or organization actively working to combat health disparities in Appalachia Kentucky.
You can nominate someone HERE.
SOAR Downtown of the Year Award
The Downtown of the Year Award honors a downtown or Main Street organization dedicated to supporting existing businesses, attracting new enterprises, and engaging in collaborative beautification initiatives, including enhancing downtown Wi-Fi access.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Tourism Organization of the Year Award
The Tourism Organization of the Year Award acknowledges a local or regional tourism agency demonstrating creative efforts in promoting existing tourism assets and simultaneously developing capacity to generate new opportunities for attracting visitors to Eastern Kentucky.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Startup of the Year Award
The Startup of the Year Award is presented to a small business or startup that has initiated or expanded its operations by harnessing innovation and technology to reach customers beyond the confines of Appalachia Kentucky. A startup is defined as a business in operation for five years or less.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Appalachian Recovery Award
The Appalachian Recovery Award is bestowed upon an individual, group, or organization actively engaged on the frontlines, offering opportunities for recovery to those affected by Substance Use Disorder. This award celebrates initiatives focused on training, employment, educational pathways, family support, and community impact, highlighting the transformative power of collaborative efforts and innovative approaches.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Appalachian Student of the Year Award
This award is given to a high school or college student who has impacted their school, college/university, and/or community through academic excellence and community service.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Appalachian Teacher of the Year Award
The Appalachian Teacher of the Year Award is presented to a high school or college teacher or professor who has left a lasting impact on their educational institution and community, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and notable contributions through community service.
You can nominate someone HERE.
Our SOAR 2024 Gala, presented by Kentucky Power, will be at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. The organization will be announcing the date and registration information soon. Stay tuned!
