Nominations are now open for 2026 Sun Standout Awards – Las Vegas Sun News

Editor’s note: Este artículo está traducido al español.

It’s the one night a year when Southern Nevada’s high school sports stars trade their jerseys and cleats for formal wear.

The stage lights shine. The showroom fills with cheers. And for one unforgettable evening, the spotlight belongs entirely to the student-athletes who have spent their year grinding through practices and balancing textbooks with championship dreams.

The Las Vegas Sun Standout Awards — the ESPYs of Las Vegas preps — return May 18 to the South Point Showroom. We need your help making it special.

We are seeking nominations for our awards show. This is your chance to honor that athlete who’s been unstoppable on the field, that student who’s crushing it in both the classroom and competition, or that teammate who’s making the community better.

“Every year, this show reminds me why we do what we do at the Sun,” said Ray Brewer, the Sun’s managing editor and the show’s host. “These students pour everything into their sports and their studies, and they deserve to be celebrated. Watching the room fill with proud families — that’s what makes this night so special. It’s a privilege to host an evening that recognizes their dedication and achievements.”

In its ninth year, the Sun Standout Awards have become something truly unique — the only event of its kind in Nevada and nationally. It’s where future MLB first-rounders and NBA players got their first taste of red-carpet recognition. And it’s where wrestlers, tennis phenoms and girls flag football stars have shared the same stage. It’s also where Chance, the Golden Knights mascot, has made surprise appearances, and where the Raiderettes have helped hand out hardware.

The annual black-tie-optional affair, which was first staged in 2016 and paused in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, honors excellence across multiple categories including: Male and Female Athlete of the Year, Scholar Athlete of the Year, Citizen of the Year and the prestigious Hank Greenspun Lifetime Achievement Award — named for the Sun’s founder and reserved for those displaying exceptional character and perseverance.

“What makes this event special isn’t just the talent on display, but the community behind every athlete. Families, schools and supporters all come together here to celebrate years of commitment and achievement,” said Michael Libonati, the South Point’s entertainment director.

From every corner of Southern Nevada — from Boulder City to Pahrump, from the northwest valley to Henderson — student-athletes will converge for one special night for well-earned recognition. But first, we need to know who they are.

Nominations close April 18.

Make nominations here.