Prescott Nevada County OYEA Banquet Draws Big Crowd

The annual OYEA banquet was held November 4th at the Barn at Willow Oaks.  OYEA is the “Organization for Youth Education in Agriculture”.  The banquet drew well over 200 people.  The Prescott Curley Wolves cheerleaders, Prescott High Key Club, and OYEA students worked to set up the banquet, served the food, waited on tables, helped with the auction, and cleaned up after the event.

   Lynn Vanderveer served as emcee for the event.  Jermiere Purifory, a current OYEA student, addressed the crowd and talked about what a “huge role model” Mr. Dennis Guidry is.  Mr. Guidry introduced each of his students and noted the dedication they showed to the program and to the barn.  Mr. Guidry also thanked Superintendent Mr. Robert Poole for his support and the opportunity to have his “dream job”.

    Dr. Charles Looney of the Southwest Research and Extension Center was the keynote speaker.  Dr. Looney joked that he thought he was speaking to a group of young people and not most of Prescott.  His points in his talk included “never say never, never burn bridges, and always do your best”.

    The auction was conducted by former State Senator Bruce Maloch.  Maloch noted the OYEA program in Prescott is known statewide.

    The event raised money for the OYEA program which helps to involve many students in the Prescott Schools in agriculture, many who would not otherwise be able to participate.