In honor of the memory of Wilburn Columbus Clary, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association is proud to present the Clary Medal annually to two (2) outstanding high school students.

Wilburn 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 official on the high school and collegiate level, and served as the executive secretary of the Western North Carolina High School Activities Association from 1949 through 1977 until it merged with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

Mr. Clary was the first collegiate football official to be inducted into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

The Clary Medal, made possible through the generosity of the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, recognizes annually an outstanding high school male and female athlete.

This award is based on the individual's excellence in athletic participation, extra-curricular activities, and community service. The recipients of this medal exhibit a desire to excel in all areas of life…in athletics, education, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, honesty, and integrity.

Each recipient receives a $2,000 scholarship to further his and her educational endeavors.