Celebrating the People Building Eastern Kentucky
Every day across Appalachian Kentucky, individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities are creating opportunity, solving challenges, preserving our heritage, and inspiring others through their leadership and service.
The 2026 SOAR Inspires Awards, presented by KCTCS, recognize those whose work is helping shape the future of Eastern Kentucky.
Recipients will be honored on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Corbin Arena, during the official kickoff of the 2026 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
As Appalachia’s Premier Event begins, we pause to celebrate the people already making a difference across our region.
Presented by:
Why We Celebrate
The theme of this year’s Summit is Building Eastern Kentucky. Together.
Those words reflect something we know to be true.
Progress happens because people choose to start businesses.
The SOAR Inspires Awards celebrates those choices.
Award Categories
Economic Growth
& Entrepreneurship
Business Person of the Year
Startup of the Year
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Partner Award
Appalachian Innovator Award
Leadership
& Community Impact
Appalachian Leadership Award
Community of the Year
Appalachian Civic Impact Award
Appalachian Workforce Champion Award
Arts, Culture
& Heritage
Appalachian Arts & Culture Champion Award
Appalachian Storytelling & Media Impact Award
Appalachian Preservation & Heritage Award
Tourism Organization of the Year
Education
& Youth
Appalachian Teacher of the Year
Appalachian Student of the Year
Appalachian Student-Athlete of the Year
Young Leader Award
Health, Technology
& Quality of Life
Healthy Communities Award
Connect Appalachia Award
Appalachian Recovery Award
Read more about the Inspires awards on our blog:
Nominate Someone
Know someone making a difference?
We invite you to help recognize the leaders, innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, volunteers, students, businesses, organizations, and communities building a brighter future for Eastern Kentucky.
The deadline for nominations are Friday, August 21.
Presented by KCTCS
Investing in the Leaders of Today and Tomorrow
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) proudly presents the SOAR Inspires Awards in recognition of the individuals and organizations expanding opportunity throughout Appalachian Kentucky.
Through education, workforce training, and community partnerships, KCTCS helps prepare the workforce and leaders who are building Eastern Kentucky’s future.