After the opening remarks we were treated to part one of a fun magical show by J.C. Dunn. J.C's show had many wondering 'how does he do that?' as he turns a metal bar into a scarf or make objects float in the air or make a limp piece of rope become as solid as a three quarter inch maple stick.

From there the focus turned towards the awards. Certificates of Appreciation were handed out to individuals who took part in important regional activities. Following this were the Merit Stars.

One of the first annual awards dished out was the ever so popular Neanderthal Award handed out by the Nordics to an Alpine Patroller they feel is most like them. Who was the creature that fit this description? Steve Francisco (Snowcrest).

A Patrollers Cross was awarded to Henry Theis (Big Bear Mtn) who seriously injured his knee while tobogganing an injured guest from the hill. His injury later required required reconstructive surgery.

Distinguished Service Awards went to Angie Levi (Mountain High) and Steve Marion(Mt Baldy). Angie received the award for her lifetime commitment to patrolling. She is a OEC Instructor trainer, OEC Instructor, Senior OEC instructor and OEC Advisor. Steve Marion has served as Mt Baldy patrol director for over six years.

National Appointments went to Gary Biehl (Mtn High), Chuck Miller (Big Bear Valley), Mark Brown (Big Bear Valley), Bruce Neilsen (Big Bear Valley), Jon Onaga (Big Bear Mtn), Ed Mikolajczyk (Big Bear Valley) and Steve Francisco (Snowcrest).

The Outstanding Student Patroller Award went to Forest Worthy (So Cal Nordic). This is the second time in as many years Forest has taken home this this award. Last year he also took home two green Merit Stars.

Outstanding First Year Patroller went to two people. Susan Adams (So Cal Nordic). Susan earned her award for her extensive volunteerism and active leadership.  Tom Caldwell (Mt. Baldy) in his first year as a patroller, became a Senior Patroller. 

Outstanding Instructor went to Stanley Arai (Bear Mtn). Stanley is an OEC, Avalanche and Mountaineering instructor and is also an instructor in the Certified program for these fields. He is also the regions Auxiliary Advisor and writes a column for both this website and the Southern California Patroller newsletter.

Outstanding Administrator went to Doug Hill (Big Bear Valley). Doug is BBV's patrol director and So Cal Region OEC Advisor. Last year he was honored as Patrol Director of the Year. The same year Big Bear Valley was honored by National Ski Patrol as Patrol of the Year. Doug has spearheaded risk management development for volunteer patrols and his efforts in this area have been watched closely by patrols throughout the country. Doug is also in charge of managing the Long Beach Refresher.

Outstanding Administrative Patrol Director went to Larry Acord  (So Cal Nordic). Larry took over as Patrol Director part way through Ron Gilberts term. He was since elected to the position. Larry is also the regions Candidate Training Advisor.

Outstanding Auxiliary again went to Stanley Arai (Bear Mtn.) who won the award last year and went on to be honored with the Division and National award. And no wonder, Stanley is the only Auxiliary Patroller to enroll in the Certified program and has passed Avalanche, Ropes and Rescue, First Aid, Hill Safety, Explosives and Risk Management. This year he was also honored as Outstanding Instructor. 

Outstanding Nordic Patroller went to Larry Coady (So Cal nordic). Larry has been a patrol director and assistant PD for So Cal Nordic. He is a Senior and Avalanche instructor. Last year he earned two merit stars.

Outstanding Professional Patroller went to Scott Hoffman (Big Bear Mtn). Scott previously earned this award about six years ago as a patroller from Snow Summit. He has been instrumental developing training programs between Bear Mountains Paid and Volunteer patrol staff.

Outstanding Female Alpine Patroller went to Deborah Huffman (Snow Valley). Deborah, along with Larry Acord, is administering the program to place people interested in becoming patrollers into the candidate program. She was also instrumental in getting funds to rebuild the bump shack at Valley.

Outstanding Male Alpine Patroller was Richard Roth (Big Bear Valley). Richard, a Senior patroller was one of the hills top 10 in sled hauls. He is this regions Senior Ski & Toboggan Advisor and an instructor trainer. Richard is also a candidate in the Certified Program.

Regional Directors Award went to Cash Murphey in recognition of his efforts in administrating and working on so many of the regions programs over the years.

Outstanding Nordic Patrol went to So Cal Nordic. It won't be easy next year when they will be competing with two new nordic patrols.

Outstanding Small Patrol went to Snowcrest. Due to the short season, patrollers at Snowcrest were asked by management to help run the hill. Steve Franscisco stepped in as mountain manager. Stan Kelly and David Johnson were assistant mountain managers. Snowcrests fifty patrol members helped get the chair and rope tow operational and checked by OSHA. They helped paint and prepare the facilities in time for the winter season.

This year the Outstanding Large Patrol had a surprising tie between both Big Bear Mtn and Big Bear Valley Patrols. Each patrol has been a major contributer to the region in the development of instructors, Seniors and Certified patrollers.