Description:
The Clary Medal, made possible through the generosity of the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, recognizes outstanding high school student-athletes annually in memory of Wilburn C. Clary.
Clary's athletic career involved coaching, officiating and administration. He coached several sports at the Methodist Children's Home for almost 30 years, was an outstanding official on the high school and collegiate level, and served as the executive secretary of the Western North Carolina High School Activities Association from 1949-1977 until it merged with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Mr. Clary was the first collegiate football official to be inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
Consideration given to the following criteria:
- Applicant must demonstrate excellence in athletic participation through awards, honors, and special recognition.
- Applicant must demonstrate success in other, non-sport, extra-curricular activities.
- Applicant must demonstrate active involvement within his/her community through volunteer service programs, scouts, or other similar activities.
- Applicant must demonstrate a desire to excel in all areas of life - athletics, education, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, honesty and integrity.
Application Deadline: March 18th
Requirements:
1. Senior student athlete participating on 2 or more different varsity, NCHSAA sanctioned athletic teams during their high school career (9th - 12th).
2. Student athlete must participate on a varsity athletic team during their senior year.
3. Must meet criteria as outlined above.
4. Cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.2 or higher throughout high school academic career.
5. Clean disciplinary record.
6. Must complete graduation requirements in 2026 Spring semester from an NCHSAA member high school and plan to enroll, or already be enrolled, for the Fall 2026 semester in an accredited and recognized university, college, or community college anywhere in the United States.
Award Amount: $3,000