Elston House recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year

SIDNEY -- The Youth Entrepreneurship Trade Show December 6 included familiar, unique and necessary goods and services by students at Sidney High School.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) is in its second year and the trade show displays the uniqueness of each student competing. The YEC is the result of a partnership between Sidney and Cheyenne County e3 and Sidney High School. Sarah Sinnett, of the e3 leadership team, said the program constantly shows what youth are capable of achieving.

"I think people are starting to understand the competition this year after they've seen it last year and all it can offer. I would say what's interesting is almost all of the business ideas are different," she said.

She said there might be the expectation of similar business plans one year to the next. However, that is not the case.

"You might expect a lot of the same businesses to come up but kids have come up with some amazing new ideas and I think it just shows we have a lot of amazing kids that really want to contribute," Sinnett said.

She added events like the YEC shows youth need encouragement and they will lead.

"I think if anything this helps us see that our kids are adults in our community and can contribute that way and we need to just empower them to be able to do it," she said.

Two alumni from the first trade show, Avery Lawson and Kobe Peterson, presented an Alumni Award. 

"We were at the competition last year. It was one of the most valuable experiences that I've every had in my entire life," Lawson said.

Lawson and Peterson developed criteria recognizing a student who is passionate about their project, a business that stays local, and contributes to the economy.

Noah Cañas was presented the Alumni Award at $500.

Prior to the students recognized in the trade show, Sidney and Cheyenne County e3 Navigator Alisha Juelfs announced a new recognition for 2024: Entrepreneur of the Year.

"This award honors exceptional entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact on our industry. Elston House is a stellar example of creativity, and innovation and action. Founded with passion and purpose, Elston House has been a beacon for those who crave joy of creating with their hands. As unique Makerspace and retail hub, Elston House has redefined the creative marketplace by offering a welcoming environment where ideas can flourish, and inspiration can be spared among all," Juelfs said.

Results of the Youth Entrepreneurship Competition: • 1st Place: Ryan Dillehay with Wild Flower, • 2nd Place: Faith Frye with Northern Star, • 3rd Place: Kendra Wood with K's Nail Bar, • 4th Place: James Kokjer with Rigged Up, • 5th Place: Katie Raffelson with Morph Marketing, • Community Choice Award: Conner Hurt with Prairie Welding, • Alumni Choice Award: Noah Cañas with Kristopher, • $1,000 WNCC Scholarship: Conner Hurt, • $750 WNCC Scholarship: KayLee Bowker and $500 WNCC Scholarship: Hunter Strodtman.