The event was hosted by OYEA founder Fred Harris.  He recognized the OYEA students, cheerleaders and Key Club members who helped serve the food and acted as waiters and waitresses throughout the evening.  He also mentioned that the Nevada County 4-H Club Quiz Bowl team has earned a trip to Louisville, Kentucky to take part in the national event.  The many local businesses who have helped sponsor OYEA, many reserving tables at the banquet, were also saluted in Harris’ opening speech.

Agri-ed instructor for Prescott Public Schools Dennis Guidry acted as keynote speaker, asking students who gathered at the front of the room to introduce themselves. He said several had taken part in a project working with Dr. Charles Looney to understand the science of cattle reproduction. He praised several by first name for showings of animals at the state fair.  He gestured at a table that displayed the results of recent competitions,“You all see them over here, right behind me here. Some of them won some belt buckles and some banners. And we've gotten better every year, ever since we started.”

The OYEA students presented Harris and Guidry with wall-hangings they had designed that will most assuredly go in prominent places in the homes of the two men.

The evening finished with raffle drawings, a live auction and results of a silent auction. So many items were donated by local businesses that multiple tables were required to hold them all.  Our photos caught as many as we could.  The proceeds from entrance fees will go toward helping finance OYEA’s continued programs.