Final Oklahoma Youth Expo Grand Drive inside Jim Norick Arena

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — It was a bittersweet moment inside Jim Norick Arena at State Fair Park Thursday night.

For the final time, the building played host to Oklahoma Youth Expo's Grand Drive.

This is a big deal to Oklahomans both young and old who are involved in agriculture.

4H and FFA students grew up knowing Jim Norick Arena as "The Big House." Their goal was to always make the Grand Drive and be crowned champion.

This made Thursday night extremely special for one high school senior, who is going out on top.

"Being crammed packed into the limo and coming out and walking in under the bright lights in the big house just filled with people, it's an experience that every member wants and only a select few get," said Addyson Schneberger, a student.

The roar of the crowd filled Jim Norick Arena one last time, as dozens of students stepped out of the limo and onto the red carpet for the opportunity of a lifetime.

"Every student's goal is to make it in the limousine because it's obviously really cool," said Kass Newell, Executive Vice President for the Oklahoma Youth Expo. "The feeling in this arena during the Grand Drive is unlike any other."

Newell has been working the event for nine years and says it has grown immensely, but one thing that has remained the same is the impact it has on so many.

"When you go to the grocery store and you're selecting meat out of the counter, these exhibitors are the ones producing that food that you're eating," Newell said.

Each spring, nearly 8,000 4H and FFA exhibitors bring more than 14,000 head of cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs to Oklahoma City, representing years of hard work, dedication, and passion.

"They're learning so many true values through this program," Newell said. "These are the students that we want to keep in Oklahoma to be the future for our workforce here."

Less than 40 kids received the honor of breed champion and riding in the limo. The selection process is based on the quality of their animal.

"Knowing that you put in all that effort and that they're going to reward you for the success that you've worked for is amazing," said Schneberger.

Many students were awarded scholarships for their success, then the select few who were crowned grand champions.

Schneberger won the Premiere Exhibitor Award, signifying an academic all-state student who exhibited elite animals at the Oklahoma Youth Expo.

She calls it the perfect ending to a historic ride inside Jim Norick Arena.

"Everything is going to end here," Schneberger said. "I think that there's going to be a few tears shed from people in the crowds. I'm very thankful for all the goals that I've achieved over the years, and I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings."

On Friday, the top 212 exhibitors will sell their animals in the "Sale of Champions," where more than $1.25 million will be awarded to the top exhibitors.

The show will go on, but starting in 2026, it will be in the brand-new OG&E Coliseum.

Addyson, who will graduate in May, says she plans to pursue a degree in AG Business, then attend Law School to become an Agricultural Lobbyist.