Western Carolina University is accepting nominations for the Mountain Heritage Award, an honor bestowed annually on one individual and one organization that have played a prominent role in the preservation or interpretation of Southern Appalachian history and culture.

Nominations will be accepted through Monday, June 25.

Letters of nomination should not exceed five pages and should include the full name of the individual or organization being nominated, with a website address if applicable; the mailing address of the nominee; the nominee’s birth date or founding date; a list of the nominee’s accomplishments; a list of awards and other recognitions received by the nominee; information about the nominee’s influence in the relevant field of expertise (such as crafts, music or organizational cause); and information about the nominee’s role as a teacher, advocate, leader or preserver of mountain culture.

The awards are presented at Mountain Heritage Day, the university’s celebration of traditional Appalachian culture that takes place on the last Saturday of each September.

Nominations can be sent via regular mail to Scott Philyaw, director of the Mountain Heritage Center; 151 H.F. Robinson Administration Building; Western Carolina University; Cullowhee, N.C., 28723. Or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..