Though enshrining all-time greats remains the highlight of every annual banquet held each May since 1984, the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame has also become the voice of the present and future. The Hall now honors approximately 10 outstanding achievers in county athletics from the previous year. State champions, college standouts and selected coaches receive plaques and are recognized. Receiving an Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame honor plaque has become the most prestigious local award for a current athlete or coach.

In 1999, the first "special honor" for outstanding promotion of Indiana County sports was presented. It is presented to persons that have – through personal sacrifice – made a great impact on athletics in the county.

A new era began in 1998 when hall members awarded their first Indiana County Scholar-Athlete of the Year scholarships. The top male and female scholar-athlete from each county school are acknowledged at the annual banquet, with one boy and one girl announced as the primary scholarship winners. Scholarships were awarded to the second and third-place finishers beginning in 2000.

Like the induction ceremony and the honor recognition, the scholar-athlete acknowledgement and scholarship awards have become a highlight of the year in county sports. It is the lone forum that spotlights the very best in Indiana County athletics.