More than 80 people attended the annual Youth Chamber of Commerce dinner last Thursday, during which local rancher Janice Keenan was honored as the chamber's person of the year.
    The award is similar to the citizen of the year honor given annually by the parent Las Animas/ Bent County Chamber of Commerce.
    Local teacher Lana Gardner was honored as youth supporter of the year for her work with True Blue, the community service organization at Las Animas School.
    Garnder's award was equivalent to the adult chamber's meritorious service award.
    The outstanding youth of Bent County, a new award this year, was presented to outgoing youth chamber President Amanda Gardner.
    In addition, scholarships funded by youth chamber fund raisings during the year, were presented to Erica Spady of McClave and Amber Burkepile of Las Animas.
    Amanda Gardner will be succeeded as youth chamber president by Rebecca Heffernan.
    Chamber director Russell Smith said there were 66 paid guests in attendance, plus 17 youth chamber members.
    The event was held at the Las Animas Golf Course clubhouse.