East Lincoln High School was a recipient of the education-based athletics grant for the 2019-2020 school year. Grant funds were used to facilitate the modernization of the school’s weight room. Their goals were to obtain updated equipment, make all equipment easily usable by all levels of students, and increase the amount of space for larger capacities. The new equipment is helping to attract more students and student-athletes of all levels to use and become interested in weight training, thus promoting increased health and athletic accomplishments.
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.