Reatherford-Salyers

The Reatherford-Salyers award, honoring the outstanding senior athlete, was initiated in 1955 by the Prestonsburg Jaycees in commemoration of two young Prestonsburg athletes, Donald Gene Reatherford and Woodrow Salyers, who lost their lives in 1954 in a locker room tragedy.  The Prestonsburg Kiwanis Club assumed the responsibility of presenting the award in 1980.  A committee composed of one Kiwanis member, the school principal, one civic leader, one minister, and one layperson makes the final selection.  At the close of each school year, ten senior athletes are nominated by school officials to be considered for the award.  Then, on the basis of leadership, athletic ability, cooperation, honesty, church works, student government participation, conduct, citizenship and character, the final selection is made by the committee.  The names of this year's winner will be placed on the plaque with names of the previous recipients and a trophy, emblematic of the honor, is also awarded to each year's recipient.