No doubt, some of the best of Hermiston was on display Tuesday night at the Distinguished Citizens Awards banquet.

From man of the year Ric Sherman to woman of the year Jeanne Jewett (and, yes, were a little partial when we say we were pleased as punch to see Jeanne honored), the evening was a perfect example of why Hermiston is a good town with a great future. Energetic folks, enthusiastic volunteers and talented people from all walks of life are why Hermiston is a growing, bustling community with all kinds of potential.

But my favorite award of the night, the awards that convinced me that Hermistons future is a promising one?

Ill take the first of the evening, the Altrusa Outstanding Young Citizens Award.

The winners were Kain Garcia-Sandoval and Julio Angel, two Hermiston High School students who embody all thats right about our schools.

Terrific grades, involved in extracurricular activities and a spirit of volunteerism. An urge to excel in every endeavor they pursue and a desire to challenge themselves whenever possible.

And, yes, very indicative of the diverse face of Hermiston. Two young Hispanic men pursuing a dream to earn college degrees and be part of the first generation of their families to do so.

One year ago, we detailed in the Herald the changing face of Hermiston. The largest city in Eastern Oregon is approximately 35 percent Hispanic and that percentage is growing. The under-18 population in Hermiston is almost 50 percent Hispanic.

 In that same series, we spoke of the need for leadership and role models from this growing population. We talked of the challenges an immigrant population faces, and the need for the generation now in school to tackle those challenges.

And, we wrote about the importance of becoming fully involved in the decision-making process of our community.

Tuesday night, we saw crystal-clear signs that this generation is indeed willing to accept that challenge. We saw two great young leaders in the making, role models who will set the standard for not only their peers, but for the generations who will follow.

One wants to become a doctor in order to serve others. One wrote in an essay of his passion for wanting to help other youngsters follow the path of success he has carved for himself and the road he hopes to continue to follow.

Understand, these young men were not chosen because of their racial heritage, their backgrounds or their last names.

They were chosen because they are shining lights, the beacons of our future. They were chosen because they are deserving in every respect, and are representative of so many of their outstanding Hermiston High peers from all kinds of backgrounds.

Tuesday evening, man of the year Ric Sherman left the crowd with this thought:

We have the power to make this the greatest generation in the history of mankind, or the last and its a challenge for all of us.

Fittingly, Shermans challenge came after these two young men had accepted their award.

I guarantee, they are ready for their part of the challenge.

Looking for a diversion as we wait for the weather to get warmer and the days to get longer?

Hermistons Parks and Rec Department does a good job in providing a variety of activities that appeal to all kinds of folks.

New items on the docket include a volleyball clinic for kids, a hunters safety course and a fly-tying class. Other upcoming events include youth indoor soccer, dance, gymnatics, archery and adult digital camera classes. For information, call  541-667-5018.

A quick reminder that two popular fundraisers both of which benefit Hermistons schools are on the horizon.

The first is the annual Hermiston Education Foundations Beach and Beef Dinner and Auction, set for Feb. 11 at the Hermiston Conference Center. Its an all-you-can eat crab, beef kabobs, potatoes and salad affair, and this years theme is knights and damsels. Tickets are $30 and can be obtained at the Hermiston Conference Center or through the Hermiston School District office.

Coming up in March is the 33rd annual Hermiston Sports Boosters Steak Feed and Auction, set for March 3 at the Conference Center. Tickets are $30 and are available at the HHS athletic department, Eastside Market or from any booster club member.

Both are great events for a good cause and both offer good food. That’s a pretty good combination.

On the agenda in a couple of weeks is a Umatilla County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 15, when they are scheduled to hear a report on the proposed Eastern Oregon Trade and Events Center. Theyll get a report from the Fishel CM on the viability of the project, as well as an update from the steering committee on funding efforts.

Its a key moment in the project, as the commissioners hold the final say-so. If they decide to accept an offer for $3 million for the current fairgrounds, it will kick the project into gear.

If you believe the Umatilla County Fair and the Farm-City Pro Rodeo are beneficial to the community and region and you can count yours truly as being strongly in that corner its a project that should proceed (with, as we have stressed numerous times, the proper amount of fiscal responsibility).

And finally, a fun fact: can you name the largest vocational student group in the United States?

If you said FFA, you are correct. A recent story in the New York Times said FFA boasts more than a half million members and is growing.

Thats our latest way of reminding you that the Oregon FFA state convention is coming to Hermiston March 23-26.

Know of something we need to be reporting? A piece of news youd like to see in the Herald? Drop me a note at nwoelk@hermistonherald.com or call me at 541-564-4533.