This year, we’re replacing tradition with transformation.

For years, the SOAR Gala offered us a moment to reflect and celebrate. In 2025, we’re building on that legacy with something even more powerful:

The SOAR Inspires Awards are a new signature event that honors the people and places shaping the future of Eastern Kentucky.  It is presented by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

Held during the 2025 SOAR Summit, taking place August 26–29 in Corbin and presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission, this awards celebration will take place on the evening of Wednesday, August 27, at the Corbin Arena.

This will be a night to honor real impact, courageous leadership, and relentless community-building across our 54-county region.

And we want your help to find the people and organizations who deserve the spotlight.

Nominations Now Open

Nominations for the SOAR Inspires Awards are open. The deadline to nominate is Friday, July 18.

We recognize many individuals, businesses, and organizations you may know about or have heard of — but more importantly, the SOAR Inspires Awards is a night to learn about those you may not know about. The quiet doers. The bold builders. The unseen changemakers.

All individual nominees must live in one of SOAR’s 54 counties. Businesses and organizations must have, at a minimum, a meaningful presence in the region.

Make a nomination HERE.

2025 SOAR Inspires Award Categories

Business Person of the Year, Presented by Community Trust Bank
Recognizes an entrepreneur or business leader who has built a successful enterprise that drives growth, innovation, and job creation. This individual leads with vision and invests in both people and place.

Appalachian Leadership Award

Celebrates someone whose leadership has sparked meaningful change in their community or field. Their work inspires others and leaves a measurable, lasting impact.

Appalachian Humanitarian Award
Honors an individual who has made it their life’s work to care for others. Their efforts improve lives in areas such as health, housing, education, and poverty, and they lead with empathy, integrity, and grit.

Community of the Year
Recognizes a city or county government leading bold initiatives to build a better future. From housing to tourism, infrastructure to workforce, these communities are creating opportunity and momentum.

Connect Appalachia Award, Presented by ODN Consulting
Highlights a person or organization leading efforts to expand broadband, promote digital literacy, and close the digital divide. Their work brings our communities online and into the future.

Healthy Communities Award, Presented by the Kentucky Department for Public Health
Celebrates those working to improve health outcomes and access to care. Whether through prevention, innovation, or systems change, they’re making Appalachia a healthier place to live.

Tourism Organization of the Year
Recognizes a tourism-driven business or organization that creatively promotes Appalachian Kentucky, drives visitation, and captures the spirit of the region through its storytelling and service.

Startup of the Year, Presented by KY Innovation
Honors a young company (operating five years or less) that is using innovation, bold thinking, and regional pride to build a scalable business with community impact.

Appalachian Recovery Award
Celebrates efforts that support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. Whether through recovery, education, or job reentry, this work creates paths to healing and hope.

Appalachian Student of the Year, Presented by KCTCS
Recognizes a high school or college student who balances academic excellence with service to others. They represent the next generation of Appalachian leadership. The Appalachian Student of the Year is sponsored by KCTCS.

Appalachian Teacher of the Year, Presented by KCTCS
Honors an educator whose classroom is a catalyst for transformation. They go beyond the curriculum to change lives and uplift entire communities. The Appalachian Teacher of the Year is sponsored by KCTCS.

Young Leader of the Year
Recognizes an emerging leader (age 40 or younger) who is already leaving their mark. Their innovation, collaboration, and impact-driven mindset make them a force for good.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Partner of the Year, Presented by KY Innovation
Celebrates an organization or partner that supports entrepreneurs across the region through training, mentorship, funding access, or policy advocacy, helping startups grow and thrive.

Appalachian Workforce Champion
Honors an individual or group connecting people to meaningful work. Through direct service, training, or employer partnerships, they’re building ladders to mobility and dignity.

Appalachian Student-Athlete of the Year
Recognizes a student excelling in both academics and athletics who leads by example and embodies the spirit of discipline, perseverance, and pride.

Help Us Spotlight Those Creating Purpose and Possibility

The SOAR Inspires Awards are more than a night of recognition. It’s a tribute to the belief that people, not programs, change communities.

Make a nomination now. Let’s celebrate the work that’s moving Eastern Kentucky forward.