{"id":72,"date":"2026-02-05T22:29:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T22:29:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/soar\/?page_id=72"},"modified":"2026-02-10T12:37:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T18:37:55","slug":"soar-stars","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/soar\/soar-stars\/","title":{"rendered":"SOAR Stars"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\tSOAR Stars\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Award Categories and Eligibility<\/h2>

The SOAR conference is excited to recognize sustainability leaders from South Arkansas* through SOAR Stars awarded to businesses, organizations, people, and public agencies making progress on these goals.<\/p>

Nominations will be accepted through Friday, March 6, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>

The Good Steward Leadership Award<\/h4>

Awarded to individuals, groups, or organizations who have shown a long-term commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and sustainability practices. This award recognizes accomplishments over a significant period (more than one year).<\/p>

Rankin College of Business Sustainability Award<\/h4>

Awarded to businesses and organizations for a commitment to creating environmentally sustainable business practices, operations, governance, and services within the last year.<\/p>

New Generations Impact Award<\/h4>

Awarded to young adults and student groups ages 16+ who are leaders in developing environmentally sustainable practices in the South Arkansas community within the last year. This award is intended for High School age and traditional college-age groups with individuals ranging in ages from 16-24. Some exceptions may be considered for ages slightly younger or slightly older.<\/p>

Individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses may nominate a person or entity or nominate themselves.<\/p>

*For this purpose, South Arkansas consists of these 15 counties: Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Desha, Drew, Hempstead, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Ouachita, Union<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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SOAR Stars Nomination Form<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Evaluation Criteria<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Once applications are received, a panel of judges will review each nomination on how well the project meet the following award criteria:<\/p>

  1. Positive Impact<\/li>
  2. Creativity<\/li>
  3. Overcomes Challenges<\/li>
  4. Transferable<\/li>
  5. Demonstrates Initiative<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Nominations must highlight achievement in one or more of the following areas:<\/p>

    1. Climate Change Adaptation<\/li>
    2. Energy and Water Conservation<\/li>
    3. Resilient Economy\/Impact Investing<\/li>
    4. Zero Waste<\/li>
    5. Community Cohesion and Public Health<\/li>
    6. Natural Systems<\/li>
    7. Sustainable Transportation<\/li>
    8. Education in Sustainability<\/li>
    9. Disaster Preparation<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Nomination Form<\/h3>