DURANT, Okla. (KTEN) -- The 2021 Bryan County Junior Livestock Show wrapped up on Monday night.

Last year's show took place just before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. After the 2021 edition got the green light to go ahead, it made the last 12 months of hard work and uncertainty worth it for Bryan County students.

Every year, about 300 young people participate in this event. The winners get a chance to auction off their animals.

"Normally we range about $250,000, so hopefully it'll be even better this year," said livestock show president Daylin Hash. "Our sponsors are terrific, they sponsor, they help these kids out with the premium sale."

This year, more than $280,000 was raised. Many students set those funds aside to help pay for college, and others invest it back into livestock for future competitions.

"I've seen a lot of these kids grow up," Hash said. "I've seen them from being little kids out playing in the dirt to now having grand champion animals, and that's one of the biggest rewards."

This livestock show also helps support students by awarding scholarships. Durant High School senior Sydney Williams was named Fairest of Them All and also won an at-large scholarship.

"This is going to help pay for books, tuition, and -- especially coming from a home with a single parent -- this is going to make an impact more than they know, and I am so grateful for that," Williams said.

While all participants are glad this year's show took place, it holds a special place for high school seniors.

"This year has been very heartbreaking, it being our senior year and everything being canceled left and right," Williams said. "We really have the Fair Board and our Bryan County supporters to thank for this happening. It's really been the silver lining of COVID-19."