Do you know a student or teacher who has gone above and beyond to make a positive impact?

Whether it’s a dedicated educator who inspires their students daily or a student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and community service, now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve.

Here’s how you can nominate someone:

  • Appalachian Student of the Year Award: This award honors a high school or college student who has made a significant impact on their school, college/university, and/or community through academic excellence and community service. Nominate someone by clicking here.
  • Appalachian Teacher of the Year Award: Presented to a high school or college teacher or professor, this award celebrates educators who have made a lasting impact on their educational institution and community, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and notable contributions through community service. Nominate someone by clicking here.

Rules and Criteria for all awards:

  1. A nominee must reside or work in one of Kentucky’s 54 Appalachian counties
  2. Self-nominations are encouraged
  3. Those prohibited to nominate include:
    1. SOAR employees
    2. Immediate family members of SOAR employees

2024 Gala Nomination Forms are being accepted until March 8.

Recipients will be recognized on April 27 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. More information can be found on the 2024 SOAR Gala website.