Nominations Sought for Awards to Recognize Contributions to SML
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Smith Mountain Lake Association seeks nominations for its two annual awards: the Melvin S. Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award and the SMLA Spirit of the Lake Award. The awards will be presented at the SMLA Volunteer Appreciation event, October 16, at the W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center.
Nomination forms are available at the SMLA website, https://smlassociation.org/annual-awards/. Nominations must be received by August 31, 2025.
Melvin S. Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award
The Melvin S. Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award is named in honor of Melvin Johnston, the founder of the Smith Mountain Lake Association; real estate broker, land developer, and philanthropist. This award is presented to one or more people who have made the greatest contribution to the quality of life at Smith Mountain Lake during the prior calendar year or over an extended time period.
The winner should demonstrate one or more of the following criteria:
- Made an impact on SML environmental issues
- Made significant improvements to water safety
- Exhibited effective management of lake maintenance issues
- Implemented projects or programs within the Smith Mountain Lake Association
- Demonstrated leadership
- Exercised lake and/or community stewardship
SMLA Spirit of the Lake Award
The SMLA Spirit of the Lake Award recognizes the people, groups, businesses and organizations that cumulatively make up the Spirit of the Lake. This award may be presented to one or more nominees. A nominee should routinely demonstrate their Spirit of the Lake in one or more of the following criteria (long-term efforts enhance the nomination):
- Creating a unique and positive lake business environment
- Promoting recreational activities for local residents and vacationers
- Establishing an atmosphere to support community members in times of need
- Providing opportunities to expand community involvement in individual self-development classes
- Fostering positive youth development through water-related programs or technical training opportunities
- Promoting environmental awareness and related programs
- Supporting outreach with neighboring communities for regional cooperative development
- Demonstrating exceptional actions as a steward of the lake
Prior recipients are not eligible for the same award. Previous winners are listed at the SMLA website.
About SMLA
The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) mission is to keep Smith Mountain Lake clean and safe. Established in 1969, SMLA is the longest serving advocate for the SML community. Activities help to retain the pristine beauty of Smith Mountain Lake and the vibrant local economy. SMLA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), volunteer-led organization that relies on memberships, donations and grants to support programs that protect SML.
