The Place to Be on April 27

Registration is now open for the SOAR Gala, presented by Kentucky Power. And we’re rolling out the red carpet for you!

Join us on Saturday, April 27 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the remarkable individuals who are making a positive impact in Appalachia.

Get your tickets here!

Tickets are $100, but you can use code “BLOG24” to score $25 off the cost of your tickets!

Enjoy a mix of red-carpet glamour, networking opportunities, and an exciting awards ceremony honoring our winners, complete with entertainment. Afterward, mingle with honorees at a networking reception, sponsored by Appalachian Regional Healthcare.

Schedule of Events

Here’s what to expect on April 27!

Red Carpet: 2 p.m.  |  Arrive early to enjoy the red carpet experience, light refreshments, and networking

Awards Ceremony: 3:30 p.m.  |  Prepare to be inspired as we recognize outstanding individuals and organizations

Reception: 6 p.m.  |  Continue the celebration at the reception. Mingle, share stories, and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals

Mountain Arts Center
50 Hal Rogers Drive,
Prestonsburg, KY 41653

The Nominations Are In

Our goal is to shine a light on the unsung heroes within our communities, and that’s why we invited you to nominate your local heroes for these esteemed awards. We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the response! The stories attached to these nominations truly touched our hearts, showcasing the remarkable commitment of some truly outstanding individuals from all over our region.

Though the window for nominations has now closed, our selection panel is hard at work picking out the winners. We’re all excited for the big reveal! So, mark your calendars and come down to the Mountain Arts Center on April 27th to celebrate these incredible folks and their achievements!

Award List

Here are the awards that we accepted nominations for this year.

Hal Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Rajant Corporation

This distinguished award honors a lifetime devoted to the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of the unique cultural, artistic, and historical heritage that defines Appalachia. This award is proudly presented by Rajant Corporation.

Business Person of the Year Presented by Community Trust Bank

This award acknowledges a business leader whose exemplary leadership has been instrumental in building a successful business/corporation in Appalachia Kentucky. This award is proudly presented by Community Trust Bank.

Appalachian Leadership Award Presented by Creative Media of Kentucky and Casebolt Marketing

The recipient of the Appalachian Leadership Award is an individual recognized for their exceptional leadership and contributions impacting the region. This award is proudly presented by Creative Media of Kentucky and Casebolt Marketing.

Appalachian Humanitarian Award Presented by Volunteers of America Mid-States

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. This award is proudly presented by Volunteers of America Mid-States.

City of the Year Award Presented by MakeMyMove

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. This award is proudly presented by MakeMyMove.

County of the Year Award Presented by MakeMyMove

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. This award is proudly presented by MakeMyMove.

Connect Appalachia Award Presented By Gearheart Communications, Inc.

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. This award is proudly presented by Gearheart Communications, Inc. 

Healthy Communities Award Presented by Kentucky Department for Public Health

The Healthy Communities Award acknowledges the efforts of an individual, group, or organization actively working to combat health disparities in Appalachia Kentucky. This award is proudly presented by Kentucky Department for Public Health. 

Downtown of the Year Award Presented by SOAR

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. This award is proudly presented by Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. 

Tourism Organization of the Year Award Presented by Qk4

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. This award is proudly presented by Qk4.

Startup of the Year Award Presented by KY Innovation

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. This award is proudly presented by KY Innovation.

Appalachian Recovery Award Presented by Operation UNITE

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. This award is proudly presented by Operation UNITE.

Appalachian Student of the Year Award Presented By KCTCS

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. This award is proudly presented by KCTCS.

Appalachian Teacher of the Year Award Presented By KCTCS

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. This award is proudly presented by KCTCS.

Stay tuned for more information

In the meantime, catch up on last year’s event over on our YouTube channel or read the recap.