The NCHSAA proudly recognizes Elyana Hvastkovs and Vincent Gregory as distinguished recipients of the Clary Medal Scholarship. This prestigious award honors student-athletes who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, athletic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Elyana Hvastkovs – D.H. Conley High School
Ranked first in her class with a 4.83 GPA, Elyana is a standout scholar-athlete, serving as a leader on the soccer and golf teams, while also co-founding a nonprofit to expand access to competitive soccer for underrepresented girls in Eastern NC. Her impact extends from the field to the lab, where she leads public health research as part of a UNC-Chapel Hill biostatistics pathway. Elyana exemplifies the very best of integrity, leadership, and service in high school athletics.
Vincent Gregory – Albemarle High School
Vincent Gregory, an Albemarle High School senior, has made a significant impact as a student-athlete and leader. Competing in cross country and track & field, Vincent has achieved notable success while balancing rigorous academic coursework. His leadership extends beyond athletics, as he has played an integral role in student government, community service projects, and mentorship programs. Vincent’s dedication to excellence, integrity, and service embodies the core values of the Clary Medal, making him a deserving recipient of this esteemed award.
Congratulations to Elyana and Vincent for their remarkable achievements and contributions. Their dedication to academics, athletics, and leadership truly reflects the spirit of the Clary Medal Scholarship.
The Clary Medal is made possible through the generosity of the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation and annually recognizes an outstanding male and female varsity student-athlete participating in varsity competition in at least two NCHSAA-sanctioned teams. The award is based on each individual’s excellence in athletic participation, extra-curricular activities, and community service, exhibiting a desire to excel in all areas of life – athletics, education, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, honesty, and integrity. The Wilburn Clary Medal was first awarded in 2006 and is dedicated to Wilburn 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 high school and collegiate official, and served as the executive secretary of the Western North Carolina High School Activities Association from 1949 until 1977 when the organization merged with the NCHSAA.