PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — The Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) Gala was held on April 27 at the Mountain Arts Center. The annual event, presented by Kentucky Power, was an evening of celebration and recognition of those working across Appalachia Kentucky to create a brighter future.
Here’s a look back at the highlights of an unforgettable night.
Celebrating our stars
Hosted in the grand theater of the Mountain Arts Center Theatre, the event was a poignant reminder of the talent and dedication thriving in our region. The ceremony was not just about recognizing achievements but also about inspiring others to aim high and dream big.
More than 260 nominations from 42 of Kentucky’s 54 Appalachian counties culminated in 14 individuals and organizations being recognized at Appalachia’s premier awards ceremony.
Award winners
- Hal Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Rajant Corporation: Robert “Mike” Duncan | Martin County
- Business Person of the Year Presented by Community Trust Bank: Tim Robinson | Addiction Recovery Care
- Appalachian Leadership Award Presented by Creative Media of Kentucky and Casebolt Marketing: Dr. Burton J. Webb | University of Pikeville
- Appalachian Humanitarian Award Presented by Volunteers of America Mid-States: Tess and Barb Lipps | Axis Coffee and Gathering Place
- City of the Year Award Presented by MakeMyMove: City of Ashland
- County of the Year Award Presented by MakeMyMove: Jackson County
- Connect Appalachia Award Presented By Gearheart Communications, Inc.: Red Bird Mission Broadband Action Team
- Healthy Communities Award Presented by Kentucky Department for Public Health: AVA Center (Appalachian Valley Autism Center) at Pikeville Medical Center
- Downtown of the Year Award Presented by SOAR: City of Somerset
- Tourism Organization of the Year Award Presented by Qk4: Appalachian Triangle
- Startup of the Year Award Presented by KY Innovation: BlackBox Energy Systems | Bath County
- Appalachian Recovery Award Presented by Operation UNITE: Beacons of Hope at Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky
- Appalachian Student of the Year Award Presented By KCTCS: Olivia Johnson | Middlesboro High School
- Appalachian Teacher of the Year Award Presented By KCTCS: Allison Slone | Rowan County High School
Generous support from sponsors
This gala would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, who believe deeply in the mission of SOAR and the potential of our region. A special thanks to Kentucky Power for presenting the event. We’d also like to thank Appalachian Regional Healthcare for sponsoring the wonderful reception that followed the awards ceremony. Their commitment was instrumental in bringing this event to life and ensuring its success.
Perry Distributors sponsored the cash bar. Food and decorations were provided by Addiction Recovery Care, 3 Sisters Catering and Events, Masterpiece Cafe, and Masterpiece Kitchen. We would also like to thank Ale-8 One for sponsoring this year’s signature drink – an Ale-8 Kentucky Mule.
Looking forward
As the night concluded, the sentiment of hope, inspiration, and collaboration was stronger than ever. The SOAR Gala not only celebrated what we have achieved but also set the stage for what we can accomplish together in the future.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and for those who could not, we hope to see you next year. Let’s continue to support and uplift each other, as we soar to new heights together.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the gala on our social media! Your ongoing support makes a difference, and together, we are building a brighter future for our region.
