Telescope winners hear why their teachers nominated them as Future Astronomer candidates. From left, Eduardo Alatorre and Cierrah Sherman, Kelseyville High School; Tyler Olson and Niko Manatakis, Coyote Valley Elementary; Walt Lyon, president, Friends of Taylor Observatory; Julia Lyon, Terrace Middle; Gabriel Ramos, Upper Lake High School; Aireana Saldana, Lucerne Elementary; Barbara McIntyre, coordinator, Taylor Observatory. Photo taken by Barbara Haddon.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Telescope Award Ceremony for the winners of the Friends of Taylor Observatory's first Future Astronomers Essay Contest was held on March 18.

There were dignitaries, speeches, a cake, and appetizers for the recipients and attendees.

Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook welcomed everyone to the event.

Friends of Taylor Observatory President Walt Lyon emceed the exceptional evening.

A special telescope presentation, called “ Two Small Pieces of Glass,” was held in the planetarium.

Lake County School Board Member Madelene Lyon also attended. Lyon, along with the Friends of Taylor Observatory, was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the mighty telescopes.

The students were excited to use their Moon filters in observing the full moon.

Each telescope was sponsored by an individual or company: Kelseyville Sunrise Rotary, WestAmerica Bank, Konocti Vista Casino, North Coast Wine Transport, Dr. Wayne and Valentina Scheidemann, Lakeport Lions and an anonymous telescope donation made in the memory of naturalist Paul Wigdor.