Hundreds of people gathered at the Beaumont on Sunday for the Wayne America, Inc.'s annual banquet.
This year's theme featured a Kentucky Derby theme with five races held throughout the evening and prize packages worth at least $2,000 being awarded to each of the race winners.
Announcement of awards in several categories highlighted the evening.
This year's Patron of the Year Award went to the Wayne TeamMates Program. Coordinator Shalee Hoffman and members of the board were on hand to accept the award.
The Business of the Year went to Dairy Queen. Steve Avery accepted the award and spoke briefly on his family's connection with the community since moving here in 2008.
The Educator of the Year Award went to Maggie Gubbels, a Special Education teacher at Wayne Community Schools. Making the presentation was Special Education Director Misty Beair.
The final award of the evening went to Scott Brummond. He was named the 2024 Citizen of the Year. Brummond was recognized for his volunteer work in the community over the last 40 years, including with Pheasants Forever, the Wayne Eagles and Izaak Walton League. In addition, his work with the Nebraska Department of Roads during the reconstruction of Main Street was acknowledged.
